Objective Evaluation of Skin Sensitivity Across Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Skin sensitivity is often self-reported intolerance to skincare products.
• A common belief links lighter skin types to higher sensitivity and darker types to lower sensitivity.
• Objective data correlating self-reported sensitivity with skin type and objective measures is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the correlation between Fitzpatrick skin type and self-reported skin sensitivity.
• To determine if perceived skin sensitivity aligns with objective measures of sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded study involving a lactic acid sting test on the medial cheeks.
• Patients received 10% lactic acid on one cheek and water (control) on the other.
• Stinging was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) one minute post-application.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in self-reported sensitivity was found between Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3 and 4-6 (73.6% vs 46.5%, P=0.006).
• Higher perceived sensitivity correlated with objectively measured sensitivity across all skin types (P<0.01).
• A numerically higher percentage of Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3 experienced objective sensitivity compared to types 4-6 (45.6% vs 27.9%, P=0.058).

Conclusions:

• Self-perceived skin sensitivity is a likely indicator of objective stinging.
• Skin sensitivity can occur in all skin types.
• Clinicians should inquire about self-perceptions of sensitivity as it predicts objective sensitivity.