Abstract
Sensitive skin could be defined as the occurrence of erythema and/or abnormal stinging, burning and tingling sensations (occasionally pain or pruritus) in response to multiple factors, which may be physical (UV radiations, heat, cold and wind), chemical (cosmetics, soaps, water and pollutants) and occasionally psychological (stress) or hormonal (menstrual cycle). The diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology and treatment are still under debate. Sensitive skin is most likely due to neurogenic inflammation after the enhanced activation of sensory proteins in keratinocytes and nerve endings. Skin sensitivity is a very frequent condition because it can be detected in approximately half of the population. The treatment is likely a cautious use of cosmetics or the use of cosmetics without preservatives and surfactants or containing inhibitors of neurogenic inflammation.
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Financial & competing interests disclosure
L Misery has been a consultant for A-Derma, Avène, Bioderma, Clarins, Ducray, Jonzac, Noreva, Roche-Posay, and Uriage. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Key issues
• Sensitive skin can be defined as the occurrence of erythema and/or abnormal stinging, burning, pain, pruritus and tingling sensations in response to multiple factors, which may be physical (ultraviolet light, heat, cold and wind), chemical (cosmetics, soaps, water and pollutants) and occasionally psychological (stress) or hormonal (menstrual cycle).
• The pathophysiology of sensitive skin remains unknown, but the activation of sensory proteins followed by neurogenic inflammation is probable.
• Sensitive skin is very frequent, affecting approximately half of the population. The condition is more frequent in women than in men, but men are also frequently affected.
• The face is the main area that is involved in skin sensitivity, but all other areas can also be affected.
• A reduced use of cosmetics or the use of cosmetics with soothing effects and/or with a minimal percentage of irritant substances is necessary.