Up to 70% of people say they have sensitive skin — but is it really a diagnosis, or something else entirely? Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain break down the biology dermatologists are still trying to figure out.

In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Patti and Ted dig into a 15,000+ person global study on sensitive skin prevalence, and explore the science behind why skin reacts with no visible cause — covering TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptor activity, neuropeptide release (substance P, CGRP), and the connection to rosacea. They also unpack the exposome: how pollution, UV exposure, hormones, menopause, and the skin microbiome all play a role, including a deep dive into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and inflammation. The episode closes with a new comparative cleanser study using D-Squame tape stripping and colorimetric index of mildness (SIM) testing, showing how Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser performs against other "gentle" cleansers on the market.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of the Science of Skin Podcast, bringing you cutting-edge dermatology and skincare science.

RESOURCES & LINKS
📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email: inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com
🎟️ Join us in Austin, TX — Science of Skin Summit, Sept 17–20, 2026
🎟️ Science of Skin Longevity Summit — Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027
🌐 Learn more: scienceofskinsummit.com

Case Study Link: A Comparative Analysis of 8 Facial Cleansers Using Corneosurfametry Reveals Differentiated Irritation Potential - JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

This episode is sponsored by Galderma.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

Up to 70% of people say they have sensitive skin &mdash; but is it really a diagnosis, or something else entirely? Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain break down the biology dermatologists are still trying to figure out.
In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Patti and Ted dig into a 15,000+ person global study on sensitive skin prevalence, and explore the science behind why skin reacts with no visible cause &mdash; covering TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptor activity, neuropeptide release (substance P, CGRP), and the connection to rosacea. They also unpack the exposome: how pollution, UV exposure, hormones, menopause, and the skin microbiome all play a role, including a deep dive into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and inflammation. The episode closes with a new comparative cleanser study using D-Squame tape stripping and colorimetric index of mildness (SIM) testing, showing how Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser performs against other "gentle" cleansers on the market.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of the Science of Skin Podcast, bringing you cutting-edge dermatology and skincare science.
RESOURCES &amp; LINKS 📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email: <a href="mailto:inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com">inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com</a> 🎟️ Join us in Austin, TX &mdash; Science of Skin Summit, Sept 17&ndash;20, 2026 🎟️ Science of Skin Longevity Summit &mdash; Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027 🌐 Learn more: scienceofskinsummit.com
Case Study Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://jddonline.com/articles/comparative-analysis-of-8-facial-cleansers-using-corneosurfametry-reveals-differentiated-irritation-potential-S1545961626P10028X" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jddonline.com/articles/comparative-analysis-of-8-facial-cleansers-using-corneosurfametry-reveals-differentiated-irritation-potential-S1545961626P10028X&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1784041120135000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q5GtGKdnjgRDvpMqIwiTD">A Comparative Analysis of 8 Facial Cleansers Using Corneosurfametry Reveals Differentiated Irritation Potential - JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology</a>
This episode is sponsored by Galderma.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what's trending in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care.

Hosts  Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the Science of Skin Summit. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider’s view of the skincare industry.  You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients.  

So, if you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!

You can also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what's trending in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care.
Hosts &nbsp;Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the <a href="https://scienceofskincaresummit.com/">Science of Skin Summit</a>. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider&rsquo;s view of the skincare industry.&nbsp; You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients. &nbsp;
So, if you&rsquo;re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!
You can also find us on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast</a>
Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.