What is sensitive skin, what causes it and what are the symptoms?
The term sensitive skin was coined to describe consumers who are intolerant to the usage of some, many or all cosmetics. Most commonly people with sensitive skin describe themselves as experiencing discomfort, stinging or burning when they apply certain skincare products. Usually there is no sign of inflammation. If inflammation is present skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or contact irritation or allergy to a particular ingredient should be considered. Contact allergy or irritation can be tested by re-challenging with the product on a small area of non-facial skin or by patch testing by a dermatologist. The causes of sensitive skin include reduced barrier function, heightened neurosensory function or increased immune responsiveness. Dry skin and a tendency to flushing are associated with having sensitive skin. It is not necessarily associated with the atopic disorders of eczema, asthma and hayfever. In surveys[i][1], [ii][2] about 50% men and over 30% of men descri
