The Australian Merino is a breed of sheep that has adapted to the Australian climate over the 200 years that it has lived in Australia. Originating from the Merino (a Spanish breed), through all kinds of crossbreeding and selection, the Australian Merino is known for it's fine wool, which is exported all over the world.

Sheep skins keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter, because of the breathing properties of the wool's hollow fibres. They are comfortable because they are extremely soft, and they provide a blanket of air that acts as an insulator. This resilient fur can absorb up to a third of its weight in moisture, without the slightest hint of feeling damp, so it's great for all kinds of environments; even when it's wet it doesn't stop keeping you warm! The advantage of sheep skin over woolen fabrics is that sheep skin wool is embedded into the leather, does not shed, and was never removed, as opposed to wool pile that has been woven and manufactured. Unlike nylon, wool is also static-free, and even fire resistant! Many of these properties of sheep's wool are thanks to a natural oil that is present in it called lanolin (see lanolin), a natural moisturiser and waterproofing agent. Sheep skins are also machine washable! (see care instructions)

Sheep skin has a whole range of uses. Home decoration is one of the most popular uses of sheep skin, whether it be a big soft rug placed in front of your fireplace, throws for throwing over your lounge pieces or bedspread or bedside rugs. They're also great for baby rugs and for lining baby strollers, as well as seat covers for your car, as they allow a flow of air between you and the fibres of the fur - much more comfortable than vinyl or leather which doesn't breathe nearly as well. Because of it's insulating and moisture-absorbing properties, sheep skin slippers are another popular use.

Medicine also creates a major demand for sheep skin because it's great for comforting the sick and the elderly. Used in hospital beds and often in wheelchairs, sheep skin absorbs and wicks moisture, helping to regulate body heat, stops patients from getting bedsores from prolonged bed rest, distributes weight, and provides a soft comfort with minimal friction.

Lanolin is the precious oily secretion of a sheep's skin, which becomes trapped in the sheep's wool; and being the natural nourisher and protector against the extremes of the sheep's environment, has many valuable properties to take note of. For one, It is a waterproofing agent for sheep, helping to insulate the skin when it's wool is wet. Lanolin is also an antibacterial moisturiser, which is highly compatible with human skin because it is derived from an animal source as opposed to mineral or vegetable source as most moisturisers are. Lanolin can not only be found in sheep skins, but also in a wide range of lanolin skin care products such as creams and soaps, which you can check out Here.