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Sensitive skin (SS), also known as cutaneous sensory syndrome, is characterised by abnormal hypersensitivity to various stimuli, leading to symptoms such as itching, irritation, redness, dryness, and sensations of tightness, stinging, and pain. While many factors contribute to SS, research is increasingly focusing on the role of the skin microbiome in this condition.
What We Know:
SS can affect individuals with both normal and disrupted skin barriers. Symptoms suggest the involvement of cutaneous nerve endings, which research has confirmed. Additionally, epidermal cells, sensory proteins, skin barrier disruption, and immune mechanisms may play roles. Some studies indicate that an impaired skin barrier and drier skin, associated with increased mast cell degranulation, underlie SS (Seite & Misery, 2018).
Commensal bacteria reside in the epidermis, where pain and itch receptors (nociceptors and proprioceptors) are located. The skin microbiota influences mast cell movement, location, and development in the skin, and can directly stimulate pain and itch receptors. Therefore, it is suggested that bacteria may contribute to SS development, but more research is needed to fully elucidate this link (Seite & Misery, 2018).
Studies have shown that the facial microbiome of individuals with SS differs from those with normal skin. Increased levels of Actinomyces, Microbotryomycetes, Dermabacter, Chryseobacterium, Rhodotorula, Peptoniphilus, Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Staphylococcus were observed in SS. Notably, Dermabacter hominis was also more prevalent in the SS group, while Streptococcus strains and Acidimicrobiia levels were decreased when compared to the controls (Lu, Cheng & Shi, 2024).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Skincare product formulations designed to manage inflammation and support the skin barrier and microbiota diversity are emerging. These advanced formulas often include prebiotics, which can stimulate or inhibit bacterial growth (Seite & Misery, 2018).
Specifically, new moisturiser formulations that include prebiotic ingredients that act directly on the skin microbiota are promising. This is because bacterial growth is sensitive to free water, and while traditional moisturisers improve surface hydration by binding water to skin cells, they do not increase free water levels. Non-pathogenic bacterial extracts may also be added to effectively support skin health by modulating the microbiota and reducing inflammation (Seite & Misery, 2018).
Our Solution:
Sequential offers comprehensive services to evaluate product impacts and formulations, leveraging a vast database of over 20,000 microbiome samples and 4,000 ingredients, and a global network of over 10,000 testing participants. Our team of experts will help your business develop innovative skincare solutions for sensitive skin that work with the microbiome to achieve optimal skin health.
References:
Lu, Y.-N., Cheng, L. & Shi, X.-M. (2024) Correlation between the facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin using the 2bRAD-M technique. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. doi:10.1111/ics.12941.
Seite, S. & Misery, L. (2018) Skin sensitivity and skin microbiota: Is there a link? Experimental Dermatology. 27 (9), 1061–1064. doi:10.1111/exd.13686.
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