Did you know that in Europe almost four people in ten say they have sensitive or very sensitive skin?
A very common feeling
Burning, stinging or redness after a new product, a windy day or a change of season. Many people describe their skin as sensitive. It is an experience that affects everyday life and often guides the choice of cosmetics.
Until 2009, though, there were no comparisons between European countries. Knowing how common sensitive skin is, and who reports it most often, helps us see it as a frequent condition that deserves attention.
How the survey was done
The researchers ran an opinion poll in eight European countries. Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. The sample of 4,506 people was representative of the population aged 15 and over in each country.
Each person was asked how they perceive their own skin and whether they had ever had a skin disease. The data are therefore self-reported, without a dermatological examination.
What emerged
In total, 38.4% of people said they had sensitive or very sensitive skin, and the remaining 61.6% slightly sensitive or not sensitive skin. Women reported sensitive skin more often than men.
A skin disease was reported by 31.2% of people with very sensitive skin and by 3.7% of those without sensitive skin. Childhood atopic dermatitis was more frequent among people with sensitive or very sensitive skin. People who described their skin as dry or oily also reported sensitive skin more often than those with normal skin. Italy and France were the countries with the highest rates.
How to read the result
This was the first survey to compare sensitive skin across European countries, and the sample is large. It relies on self-assessment, though, which also depends on how each person understands the words. The authors suggest that past skin problems, or their treatments, may play a role, and leave the question open.
If you recognize yourself in these numbers, a simple routine with few products, introduced one at a time, helps you learn what your skin tolerates. When discomfort is frequent or strong, talk to a dermatologist, who can tell sensitive skin apart from other conditions.
This article is for information only. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or dermatologist, whom you should consult with any question about your skin.