I was interested to read a scientific review published last month discussing the latest thinking on sensitive skin - what causes it and how to address it (1).

Since so many of our customers come to us to resolve their sensitive skin issues, I thought it would be helpful to share what the latest science has to say on this troubling condition. 

The underlying causes of sensitive skin

Some of us are more likely to develop sensitive skin

A recent study showed that up to 70% of people identify as having sensitive skin to some extent, indicating that sensitive skin is a condition more common than many people realise. Women are more susceptible than men, and light-coloured skin is more likely to be sensitive than more pigmented skin. Skin that is experiencing concurrent disease is also more at risk - conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis make the skin more sensitive.

Environmental factors are important

Skin becomes more sensitive when exposed to low temperatures, dry air, air-conditioning, and exposure to sun and wind.

Over-consumption of coffee, alcohol, slimming products and spicy foods can also trigger sensitive skin. Over-use of cosmetics and improper use of shaving products are additional risk factors. 

Skin barrier damage is the common factor

Repeatedly, studies have shown that damage to the outermost layer of the skin is a feature of sensitive skin. The damaged skin barrier results in increased permeability and excess water-loss from the skin, making the skin more vulnerable to irritants and leaving nerve endings less protected.  

The skin microbiome may be important

At the moment, the role of the microbiome is not clear, however some studies have shown that sensitive skin has a reduced skin microbiome diversity.

Sensitive skin may have an abnormal pain response

Some studies have shown that individuals with sensitive skin may have a lower threshold for stimulation of the pain response in the skin. Stimulation of pain receptors can then set off an inflammatory response resulting in characteristic redness, inflammation and irritation.

The latest science on caring for sensitive skin

The journal article outlined 3 main strategies for addressing sensitive skin:

1. Take care of the skin’s barrier - use skin care products that restore and protect the skin’s lipid barrier.
2. Take care of the skin’s microbiome - a more diverse microbiome may reduce the risk of developing sensitive skin.
3. Use products that target the inflammation and nerve stimulation that are common features of sensitive skin.

There's more on this topic in this blog that is very useful reading for people suffering from sensitive skin.

Why Mokosh products should be your first choice when dealing with sensitive skin

• Mokosh products protect and restore the skin’s barrier - unlike water-based cleansers and moisturisers

Mokosh products are made without the skin barrier-disruptive emulsifiers and detergents that are added to water-based skin care. 

The skin’s lipid barrier is made up of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids, and these can be lost or damaged when exposed to the emulsifiers and other detergents that are found in water-containing cleansers and moisturisers. To me, it seems ironic that a water-based moisturiser designed to deliver skin-protective molecules also contains emulsifiers that can damage the skin's barrier. 

In addition, Mokosh products are enriched for the lipids that can be incorporated into the skin’s lipid barrier (read more here).

• Mokosh products protect your skin’s microbiome

All water-containing skin care must include a preservative in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the watery medium. These preservatives must be powerful enough to kill and prevent microbial growth for the lifespan of the product, which is typically 2 years. This powerful antimicrobial agent is also applied to your skin repeatedly, potentially altering your skin’s microbiome (read more here and here).

In contrast, Mokosh products are made without preservatives - they do not need them since they are water-free. 

• Mokosh products deliver molecules known to calm the skin 

Mokosh products are enriched for botanical ingredients with high levels of antioxidants which have known anti-inflammatory effects, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, also with potent anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition, some of our ingredients are particularly beneficial for sensitive skin:

Shea butter - anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and with anti-proteases that protect collagen and elastin from the damaging effects of inflammation.

Oat seed oil - extremely rich in antioxidants, and one of the few sources of avenanthramides which are renowned for anti-itch properties in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Pomegranate seed oil - potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Avocado oil - rich in vitamin E and carotenoids which are potent antioxidants, and also contains abundant phytosterols which have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Camellia oil - rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, with potent anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cucumber seed oil - rrich in flavonoids and terpenoids, both of which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Contains high levels of  phytosterols which offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as vitamin E which is renowned for its ability to soothe inflammation and promote skin healing.

You can find the best sensitive skin routine for your skin type by heading to our Sensitive Skin page in our Routines by Skin Type section, or fill out our Skin Consult Questionnaire for a personalised routine recommendation. 

If you have sensitive skin and haven't tried our products before, we recommend starting with Sample sizes to ensure you do not have a reaction to any of the products. 

REFERENCES

(1) Jiang, C. et. al. (2024) Sensitive skin syndrome: research progress on mechanisms and applications. Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. Vol 1.