Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin could be defined as the occurrence of erythema and/or abnormal stinging, burning and tingling sensations (occasionally pain or pruritus) in response to multiple factors, which may be physical (UV radiations, heat, cold and wind), chemical (cosmetics, soaps, water and pollutants) and occasionally psychological (stress) or hormonal (menstrual cycle). The diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology and treatment are still under debate. Sensitive skin is most likely due to neurogenic inflammation after the enhanced activation of sensory proteins in keratinocytes and nerve endings. Skin sensitivity is a very frequent condition because it can be detected in approximately half of the population. The treatment is likely a cautious use of cosmetics or the use of cosmetics without preservatives and surfactants or containing inhibitors of neurogenic inflammation.