Guidelines for sensitive skin care: definition, symptom judgment, causes, soothing and improvement methods
Definition of sensitive skin
The term “sensitive skin” was first mentioned in scientific publications as early as 1947 (1). A more expressive expression would be Self-perceived Sensitive Skin Self-perceived Sensitive Skin. Sensitive skin affects approximately 55-57% of the Asian population (2).
Sensitive skin means that the skin shows subjective symptoms such as itching, redness, heat, and stinging under various external/internal stimuli that should not normally cause discomfort. These subtle irritations usually do not affect healthy skin and have no objective signs. Diagnosis is challenging due to the subjective nature of this clinical condition and the lack of any specific or preferred diagnostic approach and intervention. Treating sensitive skin requires an individualized approach that takes into account the various biological, neurological, and psychosocial factors that influence sensitive skin.
Currently, the BoSS (Burden of Sensitive Skin) questionnaire and the Sensitive Scale-10 (SS-10) are commonly used comprehensive diagnostic tools.Sensitivity Scale-10 Test Entrance
Causes of sensitive skin
Complications associated with sensitive skin
In a study involving 1,000 Korean subjects (56.8% of whom had sensitive or very sensitive skin), those with sensitive skin were more than three times more likely to have acne, atopic dermatitis, and facial blushing, and more than twice as likely to have seborrheic dermatitis compared to the non-sensitive group. A genome-wide association study also found that rosacea is more common in people with sensitive skin (4).
Situation response
Severe period
Refers to a high sensitivity to all substances, including external products, environmental (including air pollution) and intrinsic factors of fatigue and stress. It may last for days or weeks. Because they are intolerant to all skin care products, even the skin care products they normally use may cause allergies. It is not recommended to use any skin care products at this time. If you feel too uncomfortable, consider seeking medical help.
Sensitivity after using skin care products
This happens to about 25% of women. It is recommended that you first check the ingredient list to see if there are any common allergens/substances that may cause irritation (such as artificial flavors, alcohol). A patch test can also be done on the forearm to assess whether it is a subjective sensitivity or allergy. The discomfort usually disappears after a short time.
Solution
Avoiding trigger symptoms
- Choose skin care products with safe ingredients: Choose skin care products that do not contain common irritants (alcohol, bad preservatives, artificial fragrances, lanolin, etc.). Look for products labeled "hypoallergenic" or "suitable for sensitive skin," preferably those that have passed safety tests for people with sensitive skin.
- Pay attention to temperature and environment: avoid excessive heat, dry air, excessive cold, air conditioning, humidity, and exposure to the sun.
- If you have to come into regular contact with irritants, you should wear gloves, use barrier creams, and moisturize your skin regularly.
Rebuilding skin tolerance
1. Soothe your nerves
Nowadays, the concept of neurobeauty is becoming increasingly popular. It uses ingredients such as plant extracts or peptides to adjust overactive nerves or act on inflammatory mediators, thereby improving symptoms and regulating the skin's normal tolerance.
Common extractions:
Mint, holly, etc.
Precious ingredients:
Neutrazen™
Innovative biomimetic tripeptide derived from neurotransmitter (POMC). It can reduce the release of neurotransmitters (substance P) that cause excessive immune responses, reduce vasodilation and redness, etc., effectively prevent and reduce irritation, and long-term use can maintain a normal skin sensitivity threshold.Click here to view repair creams containing this ingredient
AnnonaSense CLR™
Derived from the pineapple sugar apple fruit. It reduces TRPV1-induced inflammation by activating type 2 cannabinoid receptors, downregulates histamine and TNFα/substance P-induced stress, and reduces IL-31 receptor (IL-31RA) expression, thereby reducing skin sensitivity and relieving itching.
Sea Mayweed SC
A water-soluble marine plant extract based on Tripleurospermum Maritimum, also known as sea chamomile. By regulating the concentration of IL1, IL6 and substance P, it soothes the skin and relieves discomfort such as stinging and burning. Regulates PGE-2 and TNFα concentrations and reduces redness. It also has antioxidant properties.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Sensitive skin is often troubled by inflammation. The inflammatory environment not only increases skin discomfort, but also hinders the healthy development of skin in the long term. Ingredients that may help fight inflammation:
Common extraction:
Chamomile, Helichrysum, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Precious ingredients:
Madecassoside
1850-1858: Dr. Boileau proposed that Centella asiatica could be used to treat skin diseases, edema, ulcers, wounds and skin inflammation. Madecasoside is one of the most important ingredients found in Centella asiatica, and its main function is to soothe the skin. This ingredient fights off almost all inflammatory effects and relieves sensitive skin caused by stress.Click here to view repair creams containing this ingredient
3. Strong barrier
Sensitive skin is associated with a disruption of the barrier function. Sensitive skin usually comes with problems of dryness and low overall fat content, which leads to disordered skin barrier function. Reduced barrier integrity results in increased penetration of potential irritants and inadequate protection of nerve endings. Ingredients for a strong barrier:
Common extractions:
Vitamin B5: Click here to view cleansing foam containing this ingredient
Shea Butter: Click here to view repair creams containing this ingredient
Aloe Vera
Precious ingredients:
Ceracare T5
Adopting the concept of lipid cocktail, compound ceramide NP, EOP, NS, AS, AP plus active encapsulation technology, it effectively increases the integrity of the skin barrier and prevents pollutants from depositing and penetrating on the skin.Click here to view repair creams containing this ingredient
AQUAXYL™
Delivers a 3D hydration moisturizing concept that circulates moisture throughout all skin layers and boosts hyaluronic acid. By limiting water loss and enhancing the synthesis of essential lipids and proteins involved in stratum corneum tissue, the effect of strengthening the skin barrier can be achieved in a short period of time.Click here to view cleansing foam containing this ingredient
References
1. A questionnaire for assessment of the burden posed by sensitive skin – a step forward to provide solid ground for an important concept, MD Linder, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.15295
Dermatology and Venereology Volume32, Issue 12 December 2018 Pages 2051-2052
2. A GWAS Finds Variants at 2p21 Associated with Self-Reported Sensitive Skin in the Han Chinese Population, Bingjie Li, Xiyang Cai, Lizhong Wang, Jiarui Li, Ying Zou, Gang Chen, Sijia Wang, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X21012392?pes=vor, Journal of Investigative Dermatology Volume 142, Issue 1, January 2022, Pages 243-247.e9
3,4,6. Understanding the Sensitive Skin Subject to Achieve a More Holistic Diagnosis, Miranda A. Farage, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/3/81, Cosmetics 2021, 8(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030081
5. Sensitive skin and its management, Iffat Hassan, Kewal Krishan, https://cosmoderma.org/sensitive-skin-and-its-management/#ref2, CosmoDerma 2021;1:53.
