What should you know about oils for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin may sting, burn, itch or flush in response to products that other people tolerate. Fragrance, essential oils and botanical extracts are common reasons a product may feel uncomfortable, while an oil can also trap heat or aggravate spots around the mouth. Ongoing symptoms may fit Atopic Dermatitis, Perioral Dermatitis or Rosacea rather than simple sensitivity.

Pick one plain, fragrance-free product and apply a small amount to a limited area first. Watch for delayed irritation before using it more widely. Apply to clean skin without rubbing, and do not combine a new oil with several other new products. Avoid broken, infected or actively inflamed skin, and keep the product away from the eyes. If it stings, wash it off and return to a familiar gentle moisturiser.

Get medical advice for persistent burning, recurrent flushing, a rash around the mouth, facial swelling, blistering or weeping. Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing difficulty or widespread hives after a product. A clinician can distinguish sensitivity from a condition requiring specific treatment.

Ask which ingredients to avoid, whether your symptoms suggest dermatitis or rosacea, how to patch test safely, and what to use when the skin barrier is irritated.