Sensitive vs. Sensitised Skin: What’s the Difference?

Ever feel like your skin throws tantrums for no reason? You might be dealing with either sensitive or sensitised skin! While they sound similar, they’re actually quite different—and knowing which one you have is the key to calming the chaos. Let’s break it down.

Sensitive vs. Sensitised Skin: What’s the Deal?

 

🔹 Sensitive Skin – This is a genetic skin type, meaning your skin naturally has a weaker barrier and is more prone to irritation, redness, and dryness. Common triggers include weather changes, fragrance, harsh ingredients, and even stress. Sensitive skin also tends to react to certain fabrics and foods, and conditions like eczema or rosacea are common among those with this skin type. Since it's a lifelong concern, the ideal approach is to stick with ultra-gentle, protective skincare that strengthens the skin barrier and calms inflammation.

🔹 Sensitised Skin – This is a temporary state, meaning your skin wasn’t always reactive—it’s become that way due to external factors. Over-exfoliation, harsh skincare, pollution, UV exposure, and stress can all lead to a compromised skin barrier, causing irritation, redness, dryness, and breakouts. Unlike sensitive skin, sensitised skin can be reversed by eliminating irritants, restoring hydration, and repairing the skin’s barrier.

 

Why Should They Be Treated Differently?

 

Because the causes are different, the treatments should be too!

🌱 Sensitive skin requires long-term care with gentle, fragrance-free formulas that focus on strengthening the skin’s natural defences. Harsh exfoliants and actives should be used sparingly (if at all) since sensitive skin is naturally more reactive.

 

🛠 Sensitised skin needs a reset, meaning you should remove harsh products, avoid excessive exfoliation, and focus on hydration and barrier repair. Once your skin recovers, you may be able to reintroduce active ingredients slowly.

 

Murad’s Skin-Saving Solutions

 

At Murad Skincare Australia, we’ve got science-backed solutions to tackle both sensitive and sensitised skin!

🌿 For Sensitive Skin – Meet the Heartleaf Collection, designed to soothe, hydrate, and boost resilience:

Heartleaf Soothing Cleanser – A super gentle, non-stripping gel-cream formula to cleanse without irritation.

 

Heartleaf Gentle Resurfacing Serum – A slow-release glycolic acid that smooths without triggering inflammation.

 

Heartleaf Calming Cream – Instantly hydrates, calms, and strengthens sensitive skin.

 

Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment – Fast-acting relief for redness, itching, and irritation.

 

💧 For Sensitised Skin – The Cellular Hydration Repair Collection helps repair damage and bring skin back to life:

 

Cellular Hydration Repair Serum – Deep hydration and redness relief.

 

Cellular Hydration Repair Cream – Replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin barrier.

 

Cellular Hydration Repair Mask – Works overnight to prevent water loss and repair damage.

 

Whether your skin was born reactive or has been thrown off balance, the right care can make all the difference. Shop Murad Skincare Australia for dermatologist-developed formulas that bring your skin back to its happy place. Your glow is waiting! ✨

We always recommend patch-testing any new products before adding them to your routine.