#Japan #Sensitive Skin #Tokyo #IC Clinic #skincare misdiagnosis

Understanding the Misdiagnosis of Skin Types: A Comprehensive Study

Self-diagnosis is a common practice, especially in the realm of skincare. Many individuals identify their skin types as sensitive or dry, influencing their product choices significantly. However, a recent study conducted by the Medical Corporation Tekketsukai has prompted critical questions about the accuracy of these self-assessments.

The Survey Overview

The survey gathered insights from 300 adults aged 20 to 50 across Japan between October 1 and October 15, 2025. The primary focus was to examine the gap between self-perceived skin types and their actual skin conditions. This investigation revealed startling trends about how people approach skincare and the potential risks involved.

Self-Perception in Skin Type Diagnosis

More than 70% of respondents classified their skin as either sensitive or dry, with 42.3% identifying as sensitive and 28.7% as dry. Only a small proportion (4.7%) identified as oily skin, while 9.0% reported having normal skin.

• - Sensitive skin: 42.3%
• - Dry skin: 28.7%
• - Combination skin: 15.3%
• - Normal skin: 9.0%
• - Oily skin: 4.7%

These findings underscore a prevalent assumption among adults that their skin is delicate, highlighting a significant disconnect between perception and reality.

Actual Experiences with Skin Issues

Among those who considered themselves sensitive, the study found that only 37.8% had experienced allergy reactions or notable skin problems related to cosmetics or skincare products. This suggests that many individuals may be arbitrarily labeling their skin without tangible evidence.

• - Experienced allergic reactions: 37.8%
• - Uncertain self-assessment: 43.3%
• - No official diagnosis, but symptoms present: 18.9%

This revelation implies that approximately 60% of those claiming sensitive skin do so without verified medical backing.

The Predominance of Self-Assessment

The survey discovered that nearly 78% of participants determined their skin types based solely on personal intuition or feelings, while only 18.7% sought professional diagnoses from dermatologists or beauty specialists. This trend highlights the lack of reliance on expert advice in determining skin care needs.

• - Based on personal judgment: 78.3%
• - Consulted cosmetic counters: 23.3%
• - Diagnosis from dermatologists: 18.7%
• - Used online tools: 15.7%
• - Asked family or friends: 9.0%

Skincare Choices Based on Misdiagnosis

Approximately 82% of respondents selected skincare products according to their self-diagnosed skin types, raising concerns about the effectiveness and suitability of their choices. Many individuals might be maintaining inappropriate skincare practices based on erroneous assessments.

• - Selected based on self-diagnosis: 82.0%
• - Not particularly aware of their choices: 12.7%
• - Consulted professionals: 5.3%

The Need for Professional Assessments

Surprisingly, only 19.3% of respondents have sought professional skin analyses utilizing advanced skin-type analysis equipment from dermatologists or aesthetic clinics. This statistic reveals that about 80% of individuals are navigating their skincare routines without professional input, which could lead to deteriorating skin conditions.

• - Have undergone professional assessment: 19.3%
• - Have never received professional analysis: 80.7%

Conclusion and Recommendations

This investigation into self-diagnosed skin types reveals a worrying trend of inaccurate assessments leading to potential adverse effects on skin health. With most individuals approaching skincare without expert guidance, the risk of exacerbating skin problems increases significantly.

To ensure effective and tailored skincare, consulting a professional dermatologist is highly recommended. The IC Clinic employs state-of-the-art skin analysis tools to provide accurate diagnostics, personalized skincare recommendations, and treatments tailored to each individual's needs. For anyone unsatisfied with their skincare results or who is unsure of their skin type, seeking professional help is crucial for achieving optimal skin health.

About IC Clinic

The IC Clinic offers specialized care from board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists, utilizing cutting-edge skin analysis technologies. Services range from aesthetic treatments to comprehensive medical care. Conveniently located in areas of Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, and others, IC Clinic is dedicated to supporting your skin health and beauty needs.