Sensitive Skin in the United States: Survey of Regional Differences (original) (raw)
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How do perceptions of sensitive skin differ at different anatomical sites? An epidemiological study
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2009
Background. People with sensitive skin vary not only in the signs and symptoms they experience, but also in the degree of sensitivity at different anatomical sites. Aim. To determine patterns of perceived sensitive skin using an epidemiological approach among a general population, evaluating the results for ethnic, gender and age differences. Methods. Questionnaires designed to evaluate perceptions of sensitive skin in general and at specific body sites (face, body and genital area) were given to 1039 people. Respondents were not selected based on any criteria related to sensitive skin, but consisted of people participating in other studies on consumer products. Results. Of the study population, 68.4% claimed their skin was sensitive to some degree, 77.3% claimed sensitive facial skin, 60.7% claimed sensitive body skin and 56.3% claimed sensitive skin in the genital area. There were no significant gender, ethnic or age differences, except in the genital area; a higher percentage of women and African Americans claimed sensitive skin in this area.
Does sensitive skin differ between men and women?
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2010
The term "sensitive skin" is being used with increasing frequency in the scientific literature. It is primarily a subjective complaint with as-yet-undefined etiology. It is likely that there are a number of contributing factors to sensitive skin . These include host factors (age, gender, and ethnicity), cultural factors (personal habits and specific products), and environmental factors (heat, cold, humidity, and dryness). In addition, different anatomic sites are known to have differing skin permeabilities and levels of innervation. Further, different levels of neural activity have been demonstrated in subjects with sensitive skin compared with those who do not have sensitive skin .
The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin
Frontiers in Medicine
Sensitive skin has been described as unpleasant sensory responses to stimuli that should not provoke such sensations. Objectively measurable signs of irritation are not always present in individuals with sensitive skin, however, subjective sensory effects such as, itching, burning, stinging, tightness, and dryness, are consistently present. Given the subjective nature of the phenomenon known as sensitive skin, surveys have been a popular approach to evaluating the prevalence of this condition among the general population, and a number of them have been conducted worldwide. Overall, ∼60-70% of women and 50-60% of men report having some degree of sensitive skin. However, there are differences between populations in various geographies, and perceptions of sensitive skin at specific anatomic sites. This article is a review of survey data on the prevalence of self-declared sensitive skin in various geographies, among different gender and age groups, and at various anatomic sites. In addition, we review the factors that may contribute to sensitive skin, and the physiological characteristics associated with this condition, including impaired barrier function and heightened neural reactions.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021
Background: Skin sensitivity characteristics and triggers have been identified in populations in previous studies. However, few have compared these characteristics among selfreported sensitive skin. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare specific intrinsic and extrinsic triggers of skin sensitivity between individuals with self-reported sensitive skin and nonsensitive skin. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with sensitive skin. A 167-item survey was developed on the basis of the literature review. The survey was completed online by a sample of adult participants drawn from the general United Kingdom population. Participants also completed sociodemographic and self-reported health questions. Results: A total of 3050 surveys were completed: 1526 participants with self-reported skin sensitivity and 1524 participants not reporting skin sensitivity. There was a decrease in selfreported skin sensitivity with increasing age (p<0.05), and proportionally more women reported sensitive skin. Smoking also led to a higher frequency of sensitive skin. All signs and symptoms of sensitive skin, such as itch, dryness/flakiness, roughness and flushing/ blushing were more commonly reported by those with self-reported sensitive skin. These were frequently reported in association with external factors (cold/windy weather, clothes and fabrics), as well as internal factors such as pre-existing skin conditions and atopy. Conclusion: The study evaluated self-reported sensitive skin against a non-sensitive skin in order to identify common inherent and external triggers to distinguish between these groups in a large general population study in the United Kingdom. The key symptoms and signs of this syndrome identified in the literature were confirmed to be reported significantly more when compared with those without sensitive skin. However, no correlation or pattern of symptomology could be identified, reinforcing the complexity of this condition. Given the strong differentiation from the non-sensitive group, the results of this research could be utilised for the development of a clinically meaningful screening tool.
Self-reported skin sensitivity in a general adult population in France: data of the SU.VI.MAX cohort
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2006
Objective This study aimed to examine the frequency of self-assessed facial skin sensitivity and its different patterns, and the relationship with gender and sun sensitivity in a general adult population. Methods A standardized 11-item questionnaire investigating reactions experienced during the past year was developed. The questions explored different patterns of skin sensitivity: pattern I (blushing related to vascular reactivity), pattern II (skin reactions to certain environmental conditions), pattern III (skin reactions after substance contact), and for women pattern IV ('breakout of spots' related to menstrual cycle). Additional items were addressed for women and men, including sun sensitivity. The questionnaire was administered to a large middle-aged population involved in the 'Supplément en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants' (SU.VI.MAX) cohort. Results Sensitive facial skin was reported by 61% of the women ( n = 5074) and 32% of the men ( n = 3448), and the frequency decreased with age. The frequency of patterns I, II and III was greater for women (78, 72 and 58%, respectively) than for men (56, 48 and 28%) of comparable classes of age. The frequency of pattern IV was reported by 49% of premenopausal women, and skin reactions after shaving by 41% of the men. Sun sensitivity was found to be a major component of skin sensitivity. Factor analysis showed that individuals with fair phototype frequently evoked reactions associated with pattern I, and skin redness and burning sensations were related to certain environmental conditions (pattern II). Conclusion Skin sensitivity is a common concern that declines with age and is relevant for men as well as for women.
Self-Diagnosed Sensitive Skin in Women with Clinically Diagnosed Atopic Dermatitis
Background: Sensitive skin is largely self-diagnosed and linked to reactions on exposed skin. Possible manifestations on genital skin are not well documented. Atopy may be predisposing. Objective: To investigate the potential relationship between clinically diagnosed atopic dermatitis and either self-diagnosed sensitive skin or self-diagnosed genital sensitivity, and to evaluate the differences between atopics and non-atopics in perceived skin sensitivity to certain environmental conditions and certain common products. Methods: A survey on self-perceived sensitive skin and genital sensitivity was administered to two groups of female patients attending a dermatology clinic: a group clinically diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (n = 25) and a control group of non-atopic individuals (n = 25). Results: A signifi cantly higher proportion of patients with atopic dermatitis described their skin as very or moderately sensitive. Factors reported to cause skin irritation included environmental conditions (cold weather, wind, rough fabric, stress), personal products (personal cleansing products, facial cleansers, moisturizers, alpha hydroxy acids, and perfumes) and laundry products. Conclusions: A statistical association was found between clinically diagnosed atopic dermatitis and both self-diagnosed sensitive skin and self-diagnosed genital skin sensitivity. Atopic patients perceived their skin to be sensitive, longstanding, and moderate to severe, and were more likely to seek products formulated for sensitive skin. Atopy was also associated with genital sensitivity to hygiene pads and rough fabrics.
Sensory, clinical and physiological factors in sensitive skin: a review
Contact Dermatitis, 2006
Certain individuals experience more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population after topical use of personal care products, a phenomenon known in popular usage as sensitive skin. Consumer reports of sensitive skin are self-diagnosed and often not verifiable by objective signs of physical irritation. Companies who manufacture cosmetic and personal care products are challenged to provide safe products to an audience with tremendous differences in skin type, culture and habits. This review examines the still incomplete understanding of this phenomenon with respect to aetiology, diagnosis, appropriate testing methods, possible contributing host factors such as, sex, ethnicity, age, anatomical site, cultural and environmental factors, and the future directions needed for research.
Sensitive skin: closing in on a physiological cause
Contact Dermatitis, 2010
The phenomenon of 'sensitive skin' is a relatively recent complaint in which certain individuals report more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population upon use of cosmetic (personal-care) products. Originally defined as a minority complaint, sensitive skin is now claimed by a majority of women in industrialized countries and nearly half of men. Sensitive skin is self-diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation, and the number of individuals who claim sensitivity has risen steadily with the number of consumer products targeted towards this supposedly uncommon group. Believed by many dermatologists, therefore, to be a 'princess and the pea' phenomenon, the problem of sensitive skin has largely avoided focussed research. Over the last few years, however, the evidence of documentable biophysical changes associated with the largely sensory symptoms of this disorder has accumulated, including some gained by improved methods of identifying subclinical signs of skin irritation. Although the understanding of the aetiology of this phenomenon is as yet incomplete, existing research now supports a biophysical origin for this disorder. Effective methods of diagnosis, intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to exaggerated neural sensitivity, and the specific mechanisms of the discomfort associated with the compliant are required, as are appropriate means of prevention and treatment.