Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is often characterized by increased sensitivity to environmental and cosmetic stimuli, leading to pruritus and pain. Current treatments remain inadequate, leaving many affected individuals in discomfort. Troxerutin, a TRPV1-inhibiting material, has shown potential in alleviating these symptoms by improving skin barrier function. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of a topical formulation containing troxerutin in reducing skin sensitivity, improving hydration, and enhancing the quality of life in individuals with sensitive skin. METHOD: Adult participants over 20 years old with clinically diagnosed sensitive skin applied a troxerutin-containing moisturizer twice daily for 8 weeks. The effects were assessed using transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), Sensitive Scale-10 (SS-10), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Measurements were taken at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty adult participants who were clinically diagnosed with sensitive skin were registered. Statistically significant reductions in TEWL were observed at 2 weeks (p = 0.047) and 4 weeks (p = 0.021), indicating an improvement in skin barrier function. SCH significantly increased after 2 and 4 weeks (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). SS-10 scores improved markedly, from 64.17 ± 12.96 at baseline to 39.84 ± 17.00 at 8 weeks (p < 0.001), suggesting decreased skin sensitivity. The DLQI score improved from 18.60 ± 5.00 to 8.50 ± 5.10 (p = 0.000), highlighting enhanced quality of life. Additionally, regional facial erythema-most notably in the cheeks and nose-was significantly reduced after 4 weeks of treatment, indicating a beneficial effect on localized vascular reactivity. CONCLUSION: Troxerutin significantly reduces pruritus and pain in individuals with sensitive skin and enhances skin barrier function and hydration, ultimately improving overall skin comfort and patient satisfaction.