Do you have sensitive skin? Chances are you think you do. Fifty-seven percent of women describe their skin as sensitive, according to a recent survey by Alberto-Culver Custom Research, a division of the Alberto-Culver cosmetics company.

I picked up a book on this subject and was hit with a barrage of scientific terminology like ‘Sensitive skin is a condition of subjective cutaneous hyperactivity to environmental factors.’ What it means is, when certain chemicals come in contact with the skin it creates an itching, burning, stinging or tight sensation sometimes with signs of irritation.

Over the past ten or so years there has been a lot of research into sensitive skin, particularly adult sensitive skin, with mountains of data being collected. While there is no definitive answer, there are five factors which seem to impact skin response;

1. Gender – while there is no general difference between the genders, women tend to be more sensitive at times of hormonal change and after wearing makeup.

2. Age – Younger adults have more sensitive skin than elderly individuals, however, older skin, once it experiences a reaction, tends to require more time to heal.

3. Location – skin varies in sensitivity according to where it is located on the body. The skin is thickest on the palms of the hand and souls of the feet and thinnest in the genitalia region.

4. Environmental – People who live in adverse environmental areas where temperatures are extreme, pollutants are high or a home with a significant amount of synthetic materials.

5. Injury – Where the skin has been cut, like during an operation, or accidentally damaged. This can lead to long term sensitivity to the region

There are many factors which can impact the level of sensitivity of the skin. Sensitivity increases at periods when the skin is thinnest and hence at times of stress, chemical or hormonal change, or an environment placing direct stress on the skin. Treatment for each symptom will be unique to the individual. However, the use of natural and organic products will minimise skin stress and

Testimonial received 25th September 2011

I am 29 and have had acne since I was about 12 or 13. Nothing has ever controlled it except the pill which I refuse to take now. I was constantly searching new treatments and was starting to see a lot of information about avocado oil. I was always told to avoid any oil based products so I wrote it off as a fad. It was only a little while after that I got your products in the mail so I thought "may as well give it a go".

Within the first few days the redness and inflammation was settling down. The face cleanser felt great on my skin and actually made me feel clean, which I never expected from an oil based product. Fast forward a month and I had no pimples on my face what so ever! Even better, just before 'that time of the month' there was absolutely no flare up that I have always had before.

So once again, thank you for your amazing products! You have helped to make me a more confidence and happy woman.

Kelly