Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1545716
90 ASCP Skin Deep Summer 2026 THE SKIN CARE INDUSTRY has seen more people defining their skin type as sensitive. Sensitive skin is categorized as skin that's easily irritated and often reacts unpredictably to topical applications and skin care treatments. In the US, 60–70 percent of women and 50–60 percent of men classify their skin type as sensitive. 1 Sensitivity issues are often rooted in the foundation of the keratinocyte's cellular membrane. The cellular membrane functions as the barrier at the granular skin cell level, similar to the role of the skin barrier to the epidermis. Permeability is imperative when working with sensitive skin. The cell membrane allows nutrients to pass through and waste to be expelled. If the cellular membrane isn't healthy, the foundation of the skin cells will not function optimally, resulting in waste not moving out and nutrients having trouble reaching the skin, leading to a compromised skin barrier. The skin barrier includes the outermost layer of the epidermis—the stratum corneum—the physical barrier we know as the skin. The skin barrier also includes the acid mantle and microbiome, which provide a naturally occurring chemical shield that protects from pollutants and external irritants while also retaining water for hydration. A compromised barrier can lead to conditions like transepidermal water loss (TEWL), resulting in the failure to maintain moisture within the skin, heightened sensitivity, increased reactivity, and inflammation. Sensitive skin can show up in the following ways. • Erythema: This is caused by capillary dilation and increased blood flow, showing inflammation in the skin. This is often presented as mottled or blotchy skin, red or purple shading, or brown or gray shading in darker skin tones. Erythema can be a sign of possible infection, allergic reaction, or inflammation. 2 Understanding the Needs of Sensitive Skin by Stacy Best-Nervis GETTY IMAGES ADVERTISEMENT Esty Protocol: Skin Script