Combination of conventional and novel products for sensitive skin: a double blind, placebo controlled clinical evaluation of a cream formulation

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is a self-diagnosed condition with subjective signs as burning, prickling and pruritus, which is a therapeutic challenge for clinical dermatology. In this study, regarding the physiopathologic aspects of the disorder, a new formula for facial sensitive skin was designed and clinically tested.METHODS: The study was conducted as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial for one week with 32 subjects. The sensitive skin cream was prepared as the combination of conventional active agents, skin microbiota restoring probiotics/prebiotics, and thermal water with anti-inflammatory effects. The signs and symptoms of the patients were recorded according to a four-grade-semi-quantitative severity index in the beginning and at the end of the study.RESULTS: All studied parameters were found to be significantly improved in the sensitive skin cream group. The results were more pronounced for burning, prickling, and flushing. In placebo cream group none of the parameters was found to be significant, except itching with a low significance. In case of tolerability, the ratio of leaving the trial due to complaints was approximately four times higher in the placebo group.CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the new formula for facial sensitive skin is safe and effective. Regarding the numerous etiologic factors, and various clinical signs and symptoms, an effective cream for sensitive skin should contain carefully selected ingredients, aiming beyond simple moisturization.