ABSTRACT
Subjects with sensitive skin report exaggerated reactions when their skin is in contact with cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens, and they often report worsening after exposure to dry and cold climates. Subjects with sensitive skin may have a thinner stratum corneum (SC) with a reduced corneocyte area causing a higher transcutaneous penetration of water-soluble chemicals. Moreover, the declined barrier function in sensitive skin has already been reported as the result of an imbalance of intercellular lipid of SC. The existing overlap between atopic population and subjects affected by sensitive skin is well documented. Using transepidermal water loss (TEWL) modeling, statistically significant differences have been detected in the parameters obtained in the sensitive skin group, which supports the thesis that individuals with increased skin susceptibility have impaired barrier function. Changes in SC thickness and therefore of transcutaneous penetration may explain regional differences or specialized areas of sensitive skin.
