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Sensitive skin care guide: definition, symptom diagnosis, causes, relief and improvement methods
Definition of sensitive skin
The term "sensitive skin" was first mentioned in a scientific publication in 1947 (1). A more accurate way to describe it would be... Self-perceived Sensitive Skin. Sensitive skin affects approximately 55-57% of the Asian population (2).
Sensitive skin is defined as skin that exhibits subjective symptoms such as itching, redness, heat, and stinging in response to various external/internal stimuli that should not normally cause discomfort. These subtle stimuli typically do not affect healthy skin and there are no objective signs. Due to the subjective nature of this clinical condition, there is a lack of specific or preferred diagnostic methods and interventions, making diagnosis challenging. The management of sensitive skin requires an individualized approach, taking 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 Entry
Causes of sensitive skin
Complications related to sensitive skin
In a study involving 1,000 South Korean participants (56.8% of whom had sensitive or very sensitive skin), the sensitive skin group was more than three times more likely to develop acne, atopic dermatitis, and facial flushing, and more than twice as likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis compared to the non-sensitive group. Genome-wide association studies have also shown that rosacea is more common in people with sensitive skin (4).
Situation response
Severe period
This refers to a high sensitivity to all substances, including external products, environmental factors (including air pollution), and internal factors such as fatigue and stress. It can last for days or weeks. Because there is no tolerance to any skincare products, even normally used products may cause allergic reactions. It is not recommended to use any skincare products at this time. If discomfort is severe, consider seeking medical help.
Sensitive after using skincare products
This occurs in approximately 25% of women. It's recommended to first check the ingredient list for common allergens or substances that could cause irritation (such as artificial fragrances or alcohol). A patch test can also be performed on the forearm to assess whether it's subjective sensitivity or an allergic reaction. Discomfort usually disappears within a short period.
Solution
Avoid triggering symptoms
- Choose skincare products with safe ingredients: Select products that do not contain common irritants (alcohol, harmful preservatives, artificial fragrances, lanolin, etc.). Look for products labeled "hypoallergenic" or "suitable for sensitive skin," and those that have passed safety tests for sensitive skin are even better.
- Pay attention to temperature and environment: avoid excessive heat, dry air, excessive cold, air conditioning, humidity, and direct sunlight.
- If you are frequently exposed to irritants, wear gloves, use protective cream, and moisturize your skin regularly.
Rebuilding skin tolerance
1. Soothe nerves
Currently, the concept of neurocosmetics is gaining popularity. It utilizes plant extracts or peptides to adjust overactive nerves or act on inflammatory mediators, thereby improving symptoms and regulating the skin's normal tolerance.
Common extraction methods:
Mint, holly, etc.
Precious ingredients:
Neutrazen™
This innovative biomimetic tripeptide is derived from neurotransmitters (POMC). It can reduce the release of neurotransmitters (substance P) that lead to excessive immune responses, reduce vasodilation and redness, effectively prevent and reduce irritation, and maintain normal skin sensitivity threshold with long-term use.Click to view repair creams containing this ingredient
AnnonaSense CLR™
Derived from pineapple and custard 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
This product is a water-soluble marine plant extract based on *Tripleurospermum Maritimum* (also known as marine chamomile). It soothes the skin and relieves discomfort such as stinging and burning by regulating the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, and substance P. It also regulates the concentrations of PGE-2 and TNFα, reducing redness. Furthermore, it possesses antioxidant properties.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Sensitive skin is often plagued by inflammation. An inflammatory environment not only intensifies skin discomfort but also hinders the long-term development of healthy skin. Ingredients that can help reduce inflammation include:
Common extraction methods:
Chamomile, Helichrysum, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Precious ingredients:
hydroxyascorbic acid glycoside
1850-1858: Dr. Boileau proposed that Centella asiatica could be used to treat skin diseases, edema, ulcers, wounds, and skin inflammation. Hydroxyacarboxylic acid is one of the most important components found in Centella asiatica, with its main function being to soothe the skin. This component can combat almost all inflammatory effects and relieve sensitive skin caused by stress.Click to view repair creams containing this ingredient
3. Strong Barrier
Sensitive skin is associated with a compromised skin barrier function. Sensitive skin is often accompanied by dryness and low overall sebum content, leading to a disruption of the skin barrier's function. Reduced barrier integrity results in increased penetration of potential irritants and insufficient protection of nerve endings. Ingredients related to a strong skin barrier:
Common extraction methods:
Provitamin B5: Click to view cleansing foams containing this ingredient.
Shea butter: Click to view repair creams containing this ingredient
Aloe vera
Precious ingredients:
Ceracare T5
Adopting the concept of lipid cocktails, this product combines ceramides NP, EOP, NS, AS, and AP with active encapsulation technology to effectively increase the integrity of the skin barrier and prevent pollutants from depositing and penetrating the skin.Click to view repair creams containing this ingredient
AQUAXYL™
It offers a 3D hydration concept, circulating moisture across all skin layers and enhancing hyaluronic acid. By limiting moisture loss and strengthening the synthesis of essential lipids and proteins involved in the stratum corneum, it provides a strengthened skin barrier effect in a short time.Click to view cleansing foams 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, M.D. Linder, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.15295
Dermatology and Venereology Volume 32, 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.