New research reveals that urban living triggers nearly three times more inflammation in sensitive skin, highlighting the impact of modern lifestyles on skin health
A new study from pharmaceutical company Galderma has revealed the significant biological impact of modern lifestyles and environments on sensitive skin.
The research, conducted in China and presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress, found that people with sensitive skin living in urban environments had almost three times higher levels of inflammation compared to those in traditional, less urbanised settings.
Sensitive skin already affects up to 70% of people globally, with cases rising by 68% over the past two decades, according to the study.
This new evidence highlights how lifestyle and environmental factors such as pollution, stress and poor sleep can further aggravate the condition.
Study design: comparing modern and traditional lifestyles
The clinical study enrolled 150 women in China aged 35-50, divided into three equal groups:
- Sensitive skin in modern, urban environments
- Sensitive skin in traditional, less urbanised environments
- Non-sensitive skin in modern environments
Participants in modern environments were exposed to higher pollution levels, greater stress and poorer sleep quality.
Skin samples were analysed to measure biological markers of inflammation and oxidative stress
Key findings: inflammation, oxidative stress and visible damage
Inflammation
Sensitive skin in modern environments showed almost three times higher levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key inflammatory marker, compared to sensitive skin in traditional settings.
Compared to non-sensitive skin in cities, sensitive skin showed a 23% increase in inflammation, highlighting its heightened reactivity.
Oxidative stress
Sensitive skin in cities showed a 16% increase in oxidative stress markers compared to non-sensitive skin in the same environments.
Notably, oxidative stress levels were consistently high in sensitive skin across all groups, suggesting it may be a core driver of the condition.
Sebum production
Stress-induced sebum production was higher in people with sensitive skin living in modern environments than those in traditional ones.
Visible impact
Participants with sensitive skin (whether in urban or rural environments) showed more pores, uneven tone, dark circles and age spots compared to non-sensitive skin.
What this means for beauty professionals
For beauty therapists and skin professionals, the findings underline the importance of recognising sensitive skin as a biologically distinct condition rather than just a subjective complaint.
US-based dermatalogist Dr Aaron Farberg commented, "This clinical study delivers compelling biological evidence that sensitive skin responds differently and more intensely to the pressures of modern living.
"These findings validate what many clinicians observe but rarely see quantified: that pollution, stress, and poor sleep can visibly and measurably aggravate sensitive skin."
With urban living increasingly affecting clients’ skin health, treatments and product recommendations should address not only barrier repair but also inflammation, oxidative stress and long-term photoageing concerns.
As demand for sensitive skin treatments grows, education around environmental and lifestyle triggers will be crucial for tailoring skincare advice and professional treatments.
