Pai Skincare Founder, Sarah Brown On How She Saved Her Sensitive Skin

Sarah Brown, who lives in London with her husband and son, Jack, one, talks about why she created her own organic skincare for super-sensitive skins and the ingredients we should all steer clear of

Why did you create Pai?

‘In my mid-20s, I developed the allergy urticaria and endured years of hospital visits and prescription medication. I soon discovered there were countless irritants in the products I was using, so I developed Pai. I haven’t taken an antihistamine tablet since my wedding day four years ago.’

'I Only Use Eco Wipes To Cleanse My Baby's Skin'

What were the main irritants?

‘Parfum – which typically means “artificial fragrance”, but manufacturers hide preservatives under the parfum umbrella. SLS and cocamidopropyl betaine also strip your natural oils and cause pH imbalances. If you suffer from eczema, ditch detergents, propylene glycol and methylisothiazolinone (MI) – many dermatologists believe MI is leading to an eczema epidemic.’

Do you believe we use too many products on our children?

‘Yes, and that’s why their skin can become irritated. Skin is our biggest organ, so you need to allow it to do its job. Products should only be used to support the body’s natural processes rather than suppress them. Ingredients, such as vegetable oils, are more effectively metabolised by the body. So, for me, they’re the obvious choice over synthetic ones for children.’

What do you use on your son?

'Almost nothing. Babies have a perfect epidermis, so leave it untouched for as long as possible. I use Earth Friendly Baby Wipes (below, £3, johnlewis.com) on his bottom only, because cotton wool pads and water are a nice idea, but a huge hassle!’

Earth Friendly wipes

What single organic product can change your skin?

‘Foaming face washes disrupt its balance. Go for a non-foaming, detergent-free cream cleanser, such as Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (£25, paiskincare.com). If your skin feels tight after cleaning, you’re using the wrong product. Unless your skin is very dry, you shouldn’t need to apply moisturiser straight away.’

What single organic product can change your skin?

Prevent stretchmarks

‘To fully fight stretchmarks, you need a cream for hydration and an oil to maximise healing. Pai Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed Stretch Mark System (£45, paiskincare.com) alternates between the two and is endorsed by leading London dermatologists.’