Isabella Santini

Dr. Sharity Nelson

English 13014

21 November 2023

Isabella’s Analysis of a Peer-Reviewed Article

The article entitled “Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major

factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients” by Hosokawa K; Taima

H; Kikuchi M; Tsuda H; Numano K; Takagi Y published by Blackwell Science on Jun

2021. Is an article that is scientifically researched aimed at showing and arguing that

removing makeup has a major negative effect on patients with AD. In their research

they “performed a 4-week clinical trial of this cleansing oil on 35 female subjects who

had mild AD skin symptoms on their faces”. (pg1) They had “Each subject use the

cleansing oil instead of their usual makeup remover without changing their other facial

skin care habits” (pg1) To take proper account they “at the end of weeks 1 and 4, the

skin conditions of each subject were evaluated.”(pg1) This article fermaly argues and

persuades the reader using the evidence that is conducted in the experiment, to appeal

to the audience’s ethical and crediality, by To begin with, the authors skillfully establish a

strong sense of credibility with the audience, by showcasing bar graphs, as well

persuading the audience with logic and reasoning. To successfully support their

argument that the removal of makeup cosmetics is the major cause of worsening skin

on patients with AD.

To begin with, the authors adeptly reinforce their argument by employing a data table

and a bar graph, effectively supporting their claims. The graph found in figure 1 on (pg2)
is a “Comparison of the cleansing ability of the test cleansing oil with four major makeup

removers that the subjects had used daily prior to this study. “ The bar graph found in

figure 2 on (pg3) showcases “Changes in skin dryness, scaling, erythema, papules,

scratch marks, irritation, and itchiness on the face”. The bar graph located in Figure 3

(pg3) show “Moisture-retention ability values on the upper cheek (A), and TEWL values

on the upper cheek and the side of the mouth corner (B) at weeks 0, 1, and 4.” Both the

data table and the bar graph align with genre expectations, as they fulfill the necessary

criteria for scientific research. These visual representations are crucial in illustrating the

changes that occurred before and after conducting the experiment, providing concrete

evidence to support their claims. These two instances of logos are specifically meant for

the scientist and psychologist audience, because they show the need to comprehend

and understand the data table and bar graph effectively. Table 1 and Figure 3

seamlessly go with the objective of the article, as they show compelling evidence that

highlights the “comparison of the cleansing ability of the test cleansing oil” by using four

makeup removers that the people had to use daily before the study was done.

Moreover, they substantiate the argument with great evidence, as these examples given

tangible, show significant results that alina with logical reasoning. The data table and

bar graph given in the article showcase both sound logic and reasoning.

In addition , the authors skillfully establish a strong sense of credibility with the

audience, effectively delivering their argument. As shown in the text when they state

and show “This controlled usage test was performed as a single dermatol-

ogist-controlled”. “They also state It adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki,

and all clinical studies were reviewed and approved by the Review Board of the Kao
Corporation (# S002-170413) and the Review Board of the Japan Aesthetic

Dermatology Symposium” The author uses ethos to appeal and match the genre

expectations, by showing the experiment was done by credible sources due to them

being professionals. Thesis professional's educational background equipped them with

knowledge in this particular subject, allowing them to conduct thorough research for

this experiment. The dermatologists of the article do not dress the audience. They are

involved to help give the best and reliable outcome of the experiment. The author's uses

of ethos, perfectly align with the objective of the article by providing reliable

professionals to conduct and verify the experiment. Each dermatologist in the article

exemplifies ethos, being authoritative figures who possess immense credibility.

Lastly, the authors skillfully maintain their argument's effectiveness by evoking a sense

of sympathy in the audience.This is shown when they state “ makeup is an effective way

to increase the quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), especially for

females.1 However, cosmetics remaining on the skin may worsen skin symptoms and

makeup removers, which can remove makeup cosmetics from the skin surface, are

generally used.” Upon reading this, individuals may experience a surge of sympathy

towards the patient with AD, recognizing the benefit of where makeup has on them but

then finding out it does more damage than good for them. It is disheartening to hear the

negative effects of something that makes their life good and so bad. The initial

employment of pathos in this article deviates from the genre expectations, as scientific

research articles typically do not have emotional appeals. This example is likely

included to get readers' attention by showing an emotional connection with their

feelings. This sentence effectively resonates with the AD patient and audience, as it
allows the reader to recall a time something made them more confident but was causing

more damage to them then they knew. This appeal to pathos aligns perfectly with the

goal of the article, as it serves as the primary motivation behind doing this

experiment—to look into whether Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics

can cause worsening of skin conditions. Nevertheless, the sentence in question does

effectively bolster the argument; rather, it serves as a realistic example intended to

captivate readers' attention. It stands as an instance of an appeal to pathos, causing a

specific emotion in readers—sympathy, in this case.

In summary, Hosokawa K’s article effectively supports its argument by showing all three

rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos. The dermatologist serve as appeals to

ethos due to their extensive studies and educational background in the scientific

aspects of skin, making them credible sources. Additionally, the inclusion of a data

table and bar graph in the article exemplifies logos through the presentation of statistical

data providing real proof through the experiment. The initial sentence of the article

serves as an appeal to pathos, showing a sense of sympathy in the reader towards the

situation presented as an example. The significance of this article lies in its way to

effectively support its argument, enabling the readers to know that Rubbing the skin

when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor for wording skin in AD patients.
 Work Cited

Hosokawa K, Taima H, Kikuchi M, Tsuda H, Numano K, Takagi Y. Rubbing the skin

when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in
atopic dermatitis patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20:1915–1922.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13777