24. The Sensitive Skin Episode: Eczema, SPF, Retinol & Skin Barrier Advice with Joanna & Tom Gardiner

In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist and host Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Joanna Gardiner and Tom Gardiner of Elave Skincare, the mother-and-son duo behind one of Ireland’s most trusted family skincare brands.The Gardiner family skincare story began in 1934, when Joanna’s grandfather opened Ireland’s first family skincare apothecary. Over 90 years later, Elave remains a family-run Irish brand, developed and manufactured in Dundalk, and trusted by generations of Irish households for sensitive, reactive, eczema-prone and dry skin.In this conversation, Joanna and Tom explain why sensitive skin is not just a beauty issue — it is a wellness issue. They break down what actually damages the skin barrier, why so many people are reacting to products, how trends like over-exfoliation and young people using retinol can cause problems, and what to look for when choosing gentle skincare and SPF.Lauren also shares why, as a pharmacist, she has been proud to recommend Elave and Ovelle products for years, and why working with a brand rooted in pharmacy, formulation and Irish family heritage means so much.If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dry skin, irritated hands, reactive skin, or you simply want to simplify your skincare routine and protect your skin barrier, this episode is for you.This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locatorElave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at www.elaveskincare.com and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order.🎧 Show Notes:In this episode, we cover:🧴 Why sensitive skin is a wellness issue, not just a beauty concern🌿 The 90-year Gardiner family skincare story behind Elave and Ovelle🧼 Why sulfates, soaps, perfume and harsh products can worsen sensitive skin🚿 The shower and shampoo mistakes that may be irritating your skin barrier🧒 Why children and young people do not need anti-ageing actives like retinol🔥 How overusing actives can trigger irritation, redness and barrier damage☀️ What to look for in an SPF if you have sensitive or reactive skin💧 Why “less is more” is often the best skincare advice👐 How to care for dry, cracked hands and dermatitis-prone skin🧠 The emotional impact of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and chronic skin conditions🏭 How Elave develops and manufactures its products in Dundalk🌎 What B Corp certification means for the future of the brand👩‍⚕️ Why pharmacy advice still matters when it comes to choosing skincare💬 “When your skin feels better, you feel better.” - Joanna Gardiner📌 Resources & Links:🛍️ Explore Elave Skincare: https://elaveskincare.com/📱 Follow Elave Skincare on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaveskincare/🎙️ Follow The Wellness Script for more evidence-based health and wellness conversations: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessscriptpod/💌 Download your free episode guide at wellnessscriptpod.com