Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the University Psychological Counseling Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy, in cooperation with the Student Scientific Research Club (Pharmacine), held a scientific seminar entitled “The Art and Science of Treating Sensitive Skin,” delivered by Pharmacist Amna Saad Salem, under the supervision of Lecturer Mais Fadhel Mohammed, a faculty member at the Pharmaceutics Department.
The scientific seminar aimed to highlight the complex nature of sensitive skin and how to manage it, not only as a medical condition requiring study and theory but also as an “art” that demands practice and experience to observe fine details and embrace skin imperfections to emphasize beauty. It also aimed to clarify the distinction between common misconceptions and scientific facts regarding the causes and treatments of skin irritation.
The seminar included several topics, including defining sensitive skin and the internal factors affecting it, such as genetics, hormones, and age, as well as external factors such as cosmetics, environmental factors, and diet. Reviewing subjective invisible symptoms and objective signs of sensitive skin, in addition to the relationship between sensitivity, acne, rosacea, and product-induced irritation. Explaining how to select ideal cleansers that preserve the skin barrier, the importance of moisturizers and broad-spectrum sunscreens, and the cautious use of chemical exfoliants.
The seminar concluded with the necessity of adopting a personalized approach for each case, as treating sensitive skin relies heavily on restoring the skin barrier and maintaining its balance. The recommendations emphasized the importance of using products free from fragrances, alcohol, and irritating preservatives, while highlighting a humane message: “Accepting skin imperfections is part of our human nature and beauty.”
