Tests for Sensitive Skin

The diagnosis of sensitive skin is defined by neurosensory hyperreactivity of the skin and is essentially based on self-perceived sensations of people who report facial skin discomfort as stinging, burning, and itching when their skin is exposed to some environmental factors (wind, sun, or pollution) or after application of topical products (hard water, soap, or cosmetics) (1-3). Epidemiological studies performed on large populations have shown that about 50% of women declare that they have self-perceived sensitive skin (SPSS), and 10% fall into the category “very sensitive” (4). Similar percentages have been obtained in different populations: African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, or Hispanics (5). SPSS is lower in the male population (30%) and tends to decrease with age (4,6).