Self-declared sensitive skin in China: a community-based study in three top metropolises

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sensitive skin is a common concern globally, yet its prevalence and associated factors in China remain underexplored.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted skincare and public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of sensitive skin in China.
• To identify factors associated with sensitive skin in the Chinese population.

Main Methods:

• A community-based study conducted in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from November 2009 to January 2010.
• Cluster sampling and in-home interviews with a questionnaire assessing skin sensitivity, associated sensations, medical history, and skin type in participants aged over 15.
• 9154 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The mean prevalence of sensitive skin across the three cities was 13%, with variations between Beijing (17.12%), Shanghai (9.10%), and Guangzhou (22.39%).
• Prevalence was higher in women (15.93%) than men (8.62%) and decreased with age, being highest in the <25 years group (16.44%).
• Dry and greasy skin types reported higher rates of sensitivity symptoms compared to normal skin.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of sensitive skin in these Chinese cities is lower than reported in Europe and the US.
• Significant variations in prevalence exist across different cities, genders, and age groups.
• A history of atopic dermatitis was associated with increased skin sensitivity.