Improving Sensitive Skin Diagnosis by Integrating Diagnostic Questionnaires, Lactic Acid Sting Test, and Lipid...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Sensitive skin (SS) presents subjective symptoms like burning and itching with cosmetic use.
• Over 40% of the population experiences skin sensitivity, lacking standardized diagnostic criteria.
• Current evaluation methods for SS are insufficient, necessitating improved diagnostic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a diagnostic method for sensitive skin (SS).
• To combine a questionnaire, skin irritation tests, and biophysical measurements for SS diagnosis.
• To quantitatively analyze natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and lipid profiles in sensitive skin.

Main Methods:

• Administered diagnostic questionnaires to 975 women in Beijing and Shanghai.
• Conducted physiological testing, including patch tests and lactic acid sting tests (LAST), on 307 participants.
• Performed biophysical assessments and quantitative analysis of NMFs and lipids in the stratum corneum using UPLC-MS/MS.

Main Results:

• The combined questionnaire and LAST approach enhanced SS identification sensitivity and reduced false negatives.
• Sensitive skin (SS) group showed higher forehead hydration, lower pH, and reduced ceramide, fatty acid, and amino acid levels.
• No significant differences in skin irritation scores were observed between sensitive skin (SS) and non-sensitive skin (NS) groups.

Conclusions:

• The developed questionnaire combined with LAST effectively distinguishes sensitive skin (SS) characteristics.
• This methodology provides a valuable tool for improving the diagnosis and assessment of sensitive skin (SS).
• Enhanced SS diagnosis can facilitate the development of targeted skincare products.