The State of Skin Sensitivity
Sensitive isn’t a skin type. It’s a skin state.
Explore the elusive connection between our mind and our skin through a closer look at the prevalence and causes of sensitive skin with practical tips for living with sensitive skin.
All skin goes through sensitive.
Sensitive skin is common, affecting a reported 71% of adults. While the idea of sensitive skin is much debated in skin care circles, the number of people who self-declare they have sensitive skin has increased a whopping 55% in just two decades. Is it our environment, genetics, the products we use, or are we just (thanks to internet searching) getting smarter and more self-aware in our attitudes toward self-reported skin sensitivity? As our body’s largest and most visible organ, our skin serves to protect everything inside from everything outside, trapping moisture in while keeping allergens, irritants and pollutants out. Most of us are presented with millions of stimuli each day. Our skin is both a receiver and a reactor to these stimuli, reflecting our emotional and physical well-being.
So essentially, what we think, feel and see may all play a significant role in what shows up on our skin.
Our mind and skin are linked from before birth, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they are often expressed through the skin. Common skin conditions like acne, atopic dermatitis and rosacea can have significant psychological impact—from lower self-esteem to depression.
One-third of all dermatology patients have emotional disorders.
90% of rosacea patients say their condition lowers their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Half of adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis say that it significantly limits their lifestyle.
Acne patients have a 63% increased risk of developing depression.
For those suffering from chronic skin conditions, a daily skincare routine may be essential to restoring moisture to help repair, protect and maintain a healthy skin moisture barrier and improve quality of life.
In this report, we take a closer look at the prevalence and causes of sensitive skin and the interplay of our mind and skin, revealing breakthrough research on how consumers perceive their sensitive skin. We also highlight the importance of skin care for overall health and wellbeing, providing practical tips for living with sensitive skin.