Relationship between sensitive skin and sleep disorders, fatigue, dust, sweating, food, tobacco consumption or female hormonal changes: Results from a worldwide survey of 10 743 individuals.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is related to environmental factors. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the roles of poorly known associated and triggering factors on sensitive skin in a large global population. METHODS: A survey was administrated to a representative sample of the adult population aged 18-75 years in five different countries (Brazil, China, France Russia, and the United States). All participants answered a web-based questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, sensitive skin and environmental factors. RESULTS: Among the 10 743 included individuals (5285 men and 5458 women), 48.2% declared that they had sensitive skin. The group with sensitive skin reported significant increases in fatigue, dust or sweating and to a lesser extent food or tobacco consumption. The members of this group also declared that they experienced more sleep disorders than individuals without sensitive skin. Sensitive skin was very frequent in pregnant women, women with painful menstruations or women using contraceptive pills. CONCLUSIONS: This large cohort study identified new factors, including female hormonal status, fatigue, sleep disorders and food, associated with sensitive skin. These associations suggest that sensitive skin is not restricted to an epidermal disorder but may be included in a larger context. The identified factors are potential upstream drivers of neurogenic inflammation in sensitive skin.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to evaluate how a cosmetic product for oily skin is able to improve well-being in women.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases are known to negatively affect self-image and to have detrimental psychosocial effects. Oily skin is a cosmetic skin problem that women often describe as 'invalidating'. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the psychological and psychosocial effects of oily skin condition in women and the outcome of a targeted cosmetic skincare treatment. METHODS: We developed and validated a concise 18-item questionnaire [oily skin self-image questionnaire (OSSIQ)] to assess perception, behavioural, and emotional consequences associated with oily skin condition. The questionnaire was then used to assess the effects of a skincare treatment for oily skin and compare them with sebum level measurements. RESULTS: The 18-item questionnaire clearly distinguished the oily skin group from the control group. Responsiveness, reliability, and construct validity showed satisfactory performance. The questionnaire provided a relevant assessment of the psychological benefits associated with the skincare programme. CONCLUSION: The OSSIQ is a valid tool that can be used to monitor the benefits of cosmetic skincare treatments.