Oily sensitive skin: A review of management options

Due to the ever-increasing demands for the personalized care, people seek for the tailored management according to the accurate identification of their skin type. The Baumann Skin Type Indicator, which was proposed by Leslie Baumann, is composed of four parameters: oily or dry, resistant or sensitive, pigmented or nonpigmented, and wrinkled or tight. Among these, oily sensitive skin experiences significant discomfort and resists ordinary treatment.

In this article, we will review the clinical manifestations, underlying pathogenesis and recommendations on treatment options that may be utilized to help patients with oily sensitive skin.

Literature search was conducted using PubMed. The literature concerning Baumann Skin Type Indicator and oily sensitive skin type were considered.

Oily sensitive (OS)-type skin is a complex of oily and sensitive skin that causes significant discomfort and undergoes stubborn resistance to treatments. Sebum dysfunction and hypersensitivity may play a key role in the development of sensitive skin. Considering the pathogenesis of OS-type skin, treatment should focus on both seborrhea and hypersensitivity.

Clinicians can effectively treat the oily sensitive skin by understanding underlying pathogenesis of it. Further investigations are necessary to reach a consensus on the basic pathophysiology and optimal management guidelines for oily sensitive skin.