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FS07.5
Sensitive skin: What is it? What strategies meet its challenge?
Author(s) -
Engasser Patricia
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.0309bu.x
Subject(s) - cosmetics , sensitive skin , cosmetic industry , skin care , medicine , consumer safety , business , dermatology , marketing , risk analysis (engineering) , pathology , nursing
Sensitive skin is a neolgism used by consumers for a self‐perceived intolerance to environmental factors including skin care products and cosmetics. Consumer complaints focused industry on this concept and dermatology has gradually recognized it also. Identified associations range from endogenous skin disorders to irritant (including sensory) and allergic reactions. Impaired barrier function has been implicated in some instances. The consumer with sensitive skin frequently experiences adverse reactions to cosmetics, but what information is available to help them choose products they can tolerate? To answer this question, a survey is being conducted among cosmetic manufacturers inquiring if they market products for consumers with sensitive skin. They are asked what steps they take in the design of these products to insure tolerance, and what testing is done on these products that may be unique. Does the post‐marketing data show these products fulfilled their goal and these cosmetics are well tolerated by this group? The manufacturers are surveyed as to what precautions they regard as important for ‘sensitive skin’ individuals in choosing and using cosmetics. The results of the survey are incorporated into patient recommendations.