NEW YORK — La Roche-Posay is highlighting its array of products formulated for sensitive skin during Rosacea Awareness Month in April and for National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May.

The company reported Wednesday that 52% of U.S. women experience sensitive skin, a condition that has not just a physiological impact but also a disabling effect in terms of self-esteem and social activities.

"Those with sensitive skin are often forced to choose between products that work and products that are suitable for sensitive skin, in the end sacrificing efficacy in favor of products that won’t cause skin reactivity," stated Yannick Raynaud, general manager at La Roche-Posay. "With La Roche-Posay, consumers no longer have to choose. Thanks to decades of research and clinical testing, we have a unique understanding of sensitive skin, which we build into the development of new products that are not only merely suitable for sensitive skin, but are efficacious as well."

Rosacea is a leading cause of skin sensitivity. La Roche-Posay said 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea, making it one of the top reasons people consult a dermatologist. In a survey of 1,134 rosacea patients, 60% of all respondents and 88% of those reporting severe symptoms said the disorder negatively affects their interactions with others in the workplace.

In a partnership with the National Rosacea Society, La Roche-Posay is educating those with redness-prone skin on the prevention of progressing to more severe stages, as well as providing solutions.

For example, the company’s latest introduction to its sensitive skin portfolio, Rosaliac AR Intense Localized Redness Intensive Serum, is designed to help reduce visible redness and signs of discomfort and is suitable for rosacea-prone skin. The formulation also helps prevent the progression of redness to the more severe stages.

Rosaliac AR Intense Localized Redness Intensive Care, which retails for $39.95 for a 40-ml container, is an ultra-fresh calming/soothing minimalist formula made with the calming agents neurosensine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. The minimalist formulation is free of preservatives, parabens, fragrance, alcohol, colorant and lanolin, all potentially irritating ingredients. 

Skin allergies are another trigger for sensitive skin, with 78% of people with allergies experiencing manifestations on the skin, according to La Roche-Posay. For National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May the company is working with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to shed light on skin allergies and help get suitable products into the hands of those prone to highly reactive and allergic skin.

To help calm and soothe discomfort of ultra-intolerant and/or allergy-prone skin, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care — formulated with neurosensine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water — reduces signs of skin reactivity and delivers intense, long-lasting comfort, the company said. The daily moisturizer, priced at $34.95 for a 40-ml container, is made without the use of preservatives, parabens, fragrance, alcohol, colorant and lanolin. 

La Roche-Posay products are available at CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Duane Reade and Ulta stores as well as at select physician’s offices.