Corneometer CM Research Articles

STUDY OF THE MESOTHERAPY EFFECT WITH EPIPHYSIS PEPTIDES ON THE MOISTURE AND ELASTICITY OF THE SKIN

Introduction. Mesotherapy is a widely used method of preventing external signs of aging in cosmetology. However, drugs that have proven effectiveness are not enough, therefore epiphyseal peptides are of great interest. Purpose: is to study the effect of intradermal administration of peptide epiphysis on the functional para-meters of the skin. Material and methods. There were 38 women in the research devided into 2 comparable groups. The main group (26 persons) was treated by mesotherapy with epiphyseal peptides. Face, neck and decollete zones were treated by the method of “deep nappage” once a week, 5 procedures per course. Isotonic solution of NaCl was similarly injected into the neck and decollete areas of the control group (12 people). The moisture content (Corneometer CM 825, “Courage & Khazaka”, Germany) and the elasticity (Cutometer MPA 580, “Courage & Khazaka”, Germany) of the skin were determined. Functional skin parameters were evaluated before and after treatment (in both groups) and also on the 1st and 6th months after mesotherapy in the main group. Results. Under the influence of epiphysis peptides the moisture content of the skin increases by 10% after treatment (in the control group without changes) and after 1 month, then decreases by 5% in 6 months below the initial values. In the main group R0 and R8 parameters increase immediately after treatment by 21% and 20% (in the control group R0 and R8 decrease by 4-6%), then decrease by 6-7% and by 28%. The R4 parameter increases immediately after treatment by 20-25% (in the control group it decreases by 13%), then decreases by 12% and 24%; F0 and F1 parameteres increase immediately after treatment by 17% and 22% (in the control group they decrease by 4% and 3%), then decrease by 11% and 9%, by 25% and 28%. Conclusion. The revealed dynamics of skin functional indexes may support the stimulating effect of peptide epiphysis on the cellular elements of the dermis (activation of metabolic processes after treatment and improvement of elasticity parameters by 25-28% after 6 months). Mesotherapy with epiphyseal peptides can be recommended as a method of prevention and correction of age-related skin changes.

Application of three hygrometers under different skin conditions in dogs: dry, moist and haired skin.

Hydration is one parameter of skin barrier function. The Skicon-200EX® and Corneometer CM825® are hygrometers used to measure skin hydration in humans based on different measurement methods. The ASA-MX3® is a hygrometer used to obtain measurements at haired skin sites in humans. To validate three hygrometers to measure skin dryness in dogs. Six clinically normal research dogs. In vivo evaluation of three hygrometers for three different skin types was performed. Measurement of hydration was performed at five different regional sites. Dry and moist skin were induced by treatment with a sorbent and petrolatum, respectively, and measurements were collected for 120 min. Skin sites with three different hair lengths were evaluated to determine whether hair would interfere with hydration measurements. All three hygrometers obtained measurements at the nonhaired skin sites, except the ASA-MX3® hygrometer at the ear site. At the dry skin sites the Skicon-200EX® hygrometer detected a significant decrease of water content for longer than the other devices. At the moist skin sites the Corneometer CM825® and ASA-MX3® hygrometers showed a significant increase in water content. The ASA-MX3® hygrometer was the only device that could obtain measurements at sites with hair. The Skicon-200EX® hygrometer was the most sensitive for detecting skin dryness, whereas the Corneometer CM825® and ASA-MX3® hygrometers detected an emollient effect. Only the ASA-MX3® could provide measurements at the haired sites. This study may assist in the selection of a hygrometer based on the purpose of use.

A Double-Blind, Randomised Study Comparing the Skin Hydration and Acceptability of Two Emollient Products in Atopic Eczema Patients with Dry Skin.

IntroductionHealthcare professionals tend to recommend emollients based primarily on patient/consumer preference and cost, with cheaper options assumed to be therapeutically equivalent. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the effects on skin hydration of two emollients prescribed in the UK, Doublebase Dayleve™ gel (DELP) and a cheaper alternative, Zerobase Emollient™ cream (ZBC).MethodsThis was a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, concurrent bi-lateral (within-patient) comparison in 18 females with atopic eczema and dry skin on their lower legs. DELP gel and ZBC cream were each applied to one lower leg twice daily for 4 days and on the morning only on day 5. The efficacy of both products was assessed by hydration measurements using a Corneometer CM825 probe (Courage-Khazaka Electronic). The measurements were made three times daily on days 1 to 5. The primary efficacy variable was the area under the curve (AUC) of the change from baseline corneometer readings over the 5 days.ResultsSkin hydration using DELP gel was significantly higher than using ZBC cream (p < 0.0001). The cumulative increase in skin hydration observed for DELP gel was substantial and long lasting. In contrast, for ZBC cream, there was no significant improvement of the cumulative skin hydration as measured by the AUC (p = 0.22).ConclusionDELP gel achieved substantial, long-lasting and cumulative skin hydration, whilst ZBC cream achieved no measurable improvement in skin hydration compared to before treatment. Healthcare professionals should be aware that different emollients can perform differently.FundingDermal Laboratories Ltd.Trial RegistrationEudraCT number:2014-001026-16.

Acetyl hexapeptide-3 in a cosmetic formulation acts on skin mechanical properties - clinical study

abstract Acetyl hexapeptide-3 has been used in anti-aging topical formulations aimed at improving skin appearance. However, few basic studies address its effects on epidermis and dermis, when vehiculated in topical formulations. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of acetyl hexapeptide-3 using biophysical techniques. For this purpose, formulations with and without acetyl hexapeptide-3 were applied to the ventral forearm and the face area of forty female volunteers. Skin conditions were evaluated after 2 and 4-week long daily applications, by analyzing the stratum corneum water content and the skin mechanical properties, using three instruments, the Corneometer(r) CM 825, CutometerSEM 575 and ReviscometerRV600. All formulations tested increased the stratum corneum water content in the face region, which remained constant until the end of the study. In contrast, only formulations containing acetyl hexapeptide-3 exhibit a significant effect on mechanical properties, by decreasing the anisotropy of the face skin. No significant effects were observed in viscoelasticity parameters. In conclusion, the effects of acetyl hexapeptide-3 on the anisotropy of face skin characterize the compound as an effective ingredient for improving conditions of the cutaneous tissue, when used in anti-aging cosmetic formulations.

Facial skin physiology recovery kinetics during 180 min post‐washing with a cleanser

Facial cleansing is important to clean and exfoliate the skin while maintaining optimal physiologic function. However, there is insufficient data on the very early stage of skin change after applying soap or cleansing foam. We investigated the recovery kinetics of facial skin physiology during 180min after exposure to the cleanser. For the study, 22 Korean female subjects with normal and dry to oily skin type were recruited in this study. Study subjects were required to have face washing done within the 12hours prior to visiting the research center, with only toner, lotion, or cream applied. The next day, the subjects visited the research center without face washing. We evaluated the skin hydration (Corneometer(®) CM 825), sebum (Sebumeter(®) SM 815), transepidermal water loss (Tewameter(®) TM 300), and pH (Skin-pH-Meter(®) PH 905) to define recovery kinetics of facial skin physiology during 180min exposure post-cleansing. Skin hydration, sebum, and TEWL were significantly decreased at 20min after washing, as compared to the baseline (P<0.05). And skin hydration returned at 40min, and skin sebum and TEWL returned at 120min after washing. However, skin pH did not show significant differences at all times points. This study indicated that each of the skin parameters was restored at defined time points post-cleansing. Our result could be a useful reference to set the resting time in the estimation of skin bioengineering parameters.

Wpływ mokrego środowiska pracy na wybrane parametry bariery naskórkowej (TEWL i zawartość wody w naskórku) oraz lepkosprężystość skóry u pielęgniarek

Nurses are prone to develop hand eczema due to occupational exposure to irritants, including wet work. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of wet work on selected skin properties, reflecting epidermal barrier function--transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration--and additionally skin viscoelasticity, in nurses. Study subjects included 90 nurses employed in hospital wards. Measurements were carried out within the dorsal aspect of the dominant hand, using a Cutometer MPA 580 equipped with Tewameter TM 300 and Corneometer CM 825 (Courage & Khazaka, Germany) probes. Examina- tions took place on hospital premises. Similar measurements were performed in the control group of females non-exposed to irritants. In the examined group of nurses, mean TEWL was 15.5 g/h/m2 and was higher than in the control group (12.99 g/h/m2). After rejecting the extreme results, the difference between the groups proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean value of stratum corneum hydration was lower in the examined group (37.915) compared with the control group (40.05), but the difference was not sta tistically significant. Also results of viscoelasticity assessment showed no significant differences between studied groups. The results of the assessment of skin biophysical properties show that wet work exerts a moderately adverse impact on skin condition. A higher TEWL value and a lower stratum corneum hydration in workers exposed to irritants reflect an adverse impact of these factors on the epidermal barrier function.

Epidermal hydration and skin surface lipids in patients with long-term complications of sulfur mustard poisoning

Background:Despite almost the three decades passed since the chemical attacks of Iraqi's army against the Iranian troops, some veterans are still suffering from long-term complications of sulfur mustard (SM) poisoning, including certain skin complaints specially dryness, burning, and pruritus. We thus aimed to evaluate the skin's water and lipid content in patients with a disability of >25% due to complications of SM poisoning and compare them with a matched control group.Materials and Methods:Sixty-nine male participants were included in this study; 43 SM-exposed patients, and 26 normal controls from their close relatives. The water and lipid content was measured in four different locations: Extensor and flexor sides of forearms and lateral and medial sides of legs by the Corneometer CM 820/Sebumeter SM 810. Collected data was analyzed and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results:The mean age of the patients and controls was 49.53 ± 11.34 (ranges: 40-71) and 29.08 ± 8.836 (ranges: 15-49 years), respectively. In the veterans group, the main cutaneous complaint was itching and skin dryness. Cherry angioma, dry skin, and pruritus were significantly more common in the SM-exposed cases than in the controls. (P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.04, respectively). The moisture and lipid content of all areas were lower in the SM-exposed group, but it was only significant in skin sebum of lateral sides of legs (P = 0.02).Conclusion:Exposure to SM could decrease the function of stratum corneum and lipid production as a barrier, even after several years of its exposure.

Reliability of Repeated Measurements on Post‐Burn Scars with Corneometer CM 825®

The water content in burn scars, the parameter of stratum corneum water holding capacity, is an important feature in evaluation of biophysical properties of scars. Nevertheless, quantifiying this parameter is a challenge. In this study, the reliability of repeated water content measurements with Corneometer CM825(®) on (burn) scars was investigated. Intra-observer reliability, inter-observer reliability and day-by-day variability were examined on 30 scars by means of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (WSCV). Bland-Altman plots with '95% limits of agreement' were constructed. Results revealed excellent ICC values (ICCintra =0.985; ICCinter =0.984) with relatively low WSCV (WSCVintra =6.3%; WSCVinter =10.6%) for respectively intra- and inter-observer reliability. However, the Bland-Altman plot showed that more than 5% of differences were expected to exceed 4a.u., the limit of what has been defined as a clinically acceptable difference. Results for day-by-day variability showed good ICC value (ICCday-by-day =0.849) and higher WSCV (WSCVday-by-day =20.5%). The Corneometer CM825(®) is an objective and sensitive instrument for water content measurements. On the basis of our results, we concluded that the instrument can be used in clinical trials, but only under very strict conditions with standardized test protocol, preferably in combination with the evaluation of other physiological parameters.

Exploring the prevalence of skin tears and skin properties related to skin tears in elderly patients at a long‐term medical facility in Japan

The identification of appropriate skin tear prevention guidelines for the elderly requires clinicians to focus on local risk factors such as structural alterations of the epidermis and dermis related to skin tears. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to explore the prevalence of skin tears and to explore skin properties related to skin tears in elderly Japanese patients at a long-term medical facility. After doing the prevalence study, 18 participants with skin tears and 18 without were recruited and an evaluation of their skin properties using 20-MHz ultrasonography, skin blotting and also Corneometer CM-825, Skin-pH-meterPH905, VapoMeter, Moisture Meter-D and CutometerMPA580 was undertaken. A total of 410 patients were examined, the median age was 87 years and 73·2% were women. The prevalence of skin tears was 3·9%, and 50% of skin tears occurred on the dorsal forearm. The changes in skin properties associated with skin tears included increased low-echogenic pixels (LEP) by 20-MHz ultrasonography, decreased type IV collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2, and increased tumour necrosis factor-α by skin blotting. In conclusion, this study suggests that increased dermal LEP, including solar elastosis, may represent a risk factor for skin tears; this indicates that skin tear risk factors might not only represent chronological ageing but also photoageing.

In Vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications.

Objective:To investigate the skin hydrating and anti-erythema activity of gel materials from Aloe marlothii A. Berger and A. ferox Mill. in comparison to that of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) in healthy human volunteers.Materials and Methods:Aqueous solutions of the polisaccharidic fractions of the selected aloe leaf gel materials were applied to the volar forearm skin of female subjects. The hydration effect of the aloe gel materials were measured with a Corneometer® CM 825, Visioscan® VC 98 and Cutometer® dual MPA 580 after single and multiple applications. The Mexameter® MX 18 was used to determine the anti-erythema effects of the aloe material solutions on irritated skin areas.Results:The A. vera and A. marlothii gel materials hydrated the skin after a single application, whereas the A. ferox gel material showed dehydration effects compared to the placebo. After multiple applications all the aloe materials exhibited dehydration effects on the skin. Mexameter® readings showed that A. vera and A. ferox have anti-erythema activity similar to that of the positive control group (i.e. hydrocortisone gel) after 6 days of treatment.Conclusion:The polysaccharide component of the gel materials from selected aloe species has a dehydrating effect on the skin after multiple applications. Both A. vera and A. ferox gel materials showed potential to reduce erythema on the skin similar to that of hydrocortisone gel.

Evaluation of skin barrier-related parameters in 116 healthy children

Objective To assess and compare physical and chemical properties of skin among different body areas of healthy children at different ages from Beijing.Methods A total of 116 healthy children were recruited from Beijing,China,and classified into four age groups.Tewameter TM300 was used to measure transepidermal water loss (TEWL) value,Corneometer CM825 to estimate stratum corneum hydration,and skinpH-Meter PH905 to determine skin surface pH,in the forehead,cheek and forearm.The Mexameter MX 18 probe to determine melanin index of the face.Analysis of variance was carried out to assess differences in these parameters among different measurement sites and age groups.Results TEWL value did not differ among different age groups or measurement sites (both P ＞ 0.05).The stratum corneum hydration value of forehead,cheek and forearm was 51.53 ± 15.70,39.88 ± 10.48 and 50.33 ± 17.54 respectively in the age group ＜ 1 year,49.95 ± 17.88,32.51 ± 12.09 and 36.10 ± 7.43 respectively in the age group 1-3 years,51.37 ± 10.60,31.65 ± 9.01 and 34.41 ± 8.21 respectively in the age group 4-6 years,49.74 ± 10.64,39.99 ± 50.43 and 29.35 ± 8.10respectively in the age group 7-12 years,with significant differences among different measurement sites (P ＜ 0.05) but not between different age groups (P ＞ 0.05).The cheek and forearm showed lower stratum corneum hydration value than the forehead.No statistical difference was observed in pH value at the same measurement sites between the age group ＜ 1 year (forehead 5.27 ± 0.60,cheek 6.12 ± 0.51 and forearm 5.48 ± 0.45),1-3years (forehead 4.68 ± 0.58,cheek 6.80 ± 0.55 and forearm 5.07 ± 0.58),4-6 years (forehead 4.58 ± 0.37,cheek 5.70 ± 0.48 and forearm 5.09 ± 0.49),and 7-12 years (forehead 4.87 ± 0.51,cheek 5.72 ± 0.49 and forearm 5.09 ± 0.51),but the cheek had significantly higher pH value than the forearm and forehead (both P ＜ 0.05).Melanin value on the face did not differ between different age groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Physical and chemical properties of skin vary with body sites in healthy children. Key words: Child; Beijing; Skin; Barrier

Evaluation of biophysical skin parameters and assessment of hair growth in patients with acne treated with isotretinoin.

IntroductionTreatment of the severe forms of acne vulgaris remains a challenge. Isotretinoin is a drug often used in these cases. Retinoids affect the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of acne, reduce the production of sebum and sizes of the sebaceous glands. However, isotretinoin appears to have undesirable side effects in the skin, mucous membranes and hair.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of acne vulgaris treatment with isotretinoin on biophysical skin parameters: skin sebum and stratum corneum hydration levels, transepidermal water loss values, pH, erythema and hair growth parameters: total number, density and proportion of anagen hair.Material and methodsThe study included thirty patients with acne types: papulopustular, conglobata and phlegmonosa. Patients were treated with isotretinoin at a dose of 0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day for a period of 4–7 months. The measurements of skin biophysical parameters were performed before and after the treatment using Sebumeter SM815, Corneometer CM825, Tewameter TM300, MX Mexameter MX18 and Skin-pH-Meter PH908. Hair growth parameters were evaluated with FotoFinder Dermoscope using the TrichoScan Professional V3.0.8.76 software.ResultsThe results of biophysical skin parameter measurements after the treatment showed a reduction in the severity of seborrhea. However, the skin was dry, which confirmed a lowered degree of stratum corneum hydration and an increase in transepidermal water loss values. Moreover, severity of erythema, an increase in pH value, and variations in selected hair growth parameters: decrease in total count, density and proportion of anagen hair were demonstrated.ConclusionsThe reduction in the skin sebum levels was observed after the treatment. There was dryness of the skin, which was confirmed by biophysical skin parameter measurements. Changes in the hair growth parameters showed telogen effluvium hair loss.

A NOVEL METHOD OF DIAGNOSING AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: MEASURING SKIN CAPACITANCE

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is normally diagnosed via its sensory and motor manifestations. The associated autonomic dysfunction has not been exploited to its full potential as a diagnostic tool due to the difficulties in quantifying it. We aim to demonstrate that autonomic dysfunction of CTS can be quantified by measuring skin capacitance. Fifty-one patients with clinical signs and electrophysiological evidence of CTS in 89 hands were recruited. Skin capacitance was measured using Corneometer CM825 (C&K Electronic, GmbH) from the palmar aspect of the distal phalanx of the index and little finger of the affected hand. Healthy gender- and age-matched individuals were recruited as controls. The mean ratio of hydration of the index to the little finger was 0.82. The mean difference was 10.98 arbitrary units. The control group consisted of 151 subjects (80 Male & 71 Female) and 302 hands with an average age of 40.1 years (18-81 years). The mean ratio of hydration of the index to the little finger was 0.87. The mean difference was 8.67 arbitrary units. The measurement ratios (index to little finger skin hydration) between the two groups was compared directly and gave a significant mean difference of 0.05 arbitrary units. Statistically significant differences in skin capacitance between CTS patients and controls have been demonstrated and quantified using a rapid and simple method. This can be used in clinic to reduce the reliance on Nerve Conduction Studies for diagnosing CTS.

Acromegaly is associated with decreased skin transepidermal water loss and temperature, and increased skin pH and sebum secretion partially reversible after treatment

BackgroundAcromegaly is characterized by an acquired progressive somatic disfigurement, mainly involving the face and extremities, besides many other organ involvement. Wet and oily skin was described in acromegaly patients and it was attributed to hyperhidrosis and increased sebum production but this suggestion has not been evaluated with reliable methods. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the skin parameters of patients with acromegaly using measurements of skin hydration, sebum content, transepidermal water loss, pH and temperature and particularly the effects of 12months of treatment on these parameters. Methods52 patients with acromegaly and 24 healthy control subjects were included in this two blinded prospective study. Skin properties were measured on forehead and forearm by Corneometer CM825, Sebumeter SM810, Tewameter TM210 and Phmeter PH900 as non-invasive reliable measuring methods. Serum GH, IGF-1 and all measurements of skin properties on forehead and forearm were repeated at the end of the 3, and 6months of therapy in 20 cases. Patients were treated with appropriate replacement therapy for deficient pituitary hormones. ResultsThe sebum content and pH of the skin of acromegalic patients were significantly higher and transepidermal water loss and skin temperature were found to be significantly lower in acromegalic patients when compared to the control group both on forehead and forearm. GH and IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with sebum levels and negatively correlated with skin temperature on both forehead and forearm. The sebum levels of the patients were significantly decreased both on forehead and forearm at 3rd and 6th months of treatment. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated increased sebum secretion, decreased transepidermal water loss, alkali and hypothermic skin surface in patients with acromegaly by reliable methods for the first time. These data suggest that GH and/or IGF-I may have a modulatory role on several skin characteristics which can be at least partially reversible with treatment.

Construction, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of an in-house conductance meter for measurement of skin hydration

Different probes are used in dermato-cosmetic research to measure the electrical properties of the skin. The principle governing the choice of the geometry and material of the measuring probe is not well defined in the literature and some device's measuring principles are not accessible for the scientific community. The purpose of this work was to develop a simple inexpensive conductance meter for the objective in vivo evaluation of skin hydration.The conductance meter probe was designed using the basic equation governing wave propagation along Transverse Electromagnetic transmission lines. It consisted of two concentric copper circular electrodes printed on FR4 dielectric material.The performance of the probe was validated by evaluating its measurement depth, its ability to monitor in vitro water sorption–desorption and in vivo skin hydration effect in comparison to that of the Corneometer CM 825. The measurement depth of the probe, 15μm, was comparable to that of CM 825. The in vitro readings of the probe correlated strongly with the amount of water adsorbed on filter paper. Skin hydration after application of a moisturizer was monitored effectively by the new probe with good correlation to the results of CM 825.In conclusion, a simple probe for evaluating skin hydration was made from off-the-shelf materials and its performance was validated in comparison to a commercially available probe.

In vivo skin treatment with tissue‐tolerable plasma influences skin physiology and antioxidant profile in human stratum corneum

The antimicrobial treatment of wounds is still a major problem. Tissue-tolerable electrical plasma (TTP) is a new approach for topical microbial disinfection of the skin surface. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of TTP on a carotenoid profile in relation to skin physiology parameters (epidermal barrier function, stratum corneum (SC) hydration, surface temperature and irritation parameters). We were interested in the interaction of TTP and the antioxidative network, as well as the consequences for skin physiology parameters. These parameters are also indicative of TTP safety in vivo. For plasma application, 'Kinpen 09' was used (surface exposure 30-43°C) for 3 s. Beta-carotene and water profiles were assessed by in vivo Raman microspectroscopy (skin composition analyzer 3510). Skin physiology parameters were measured with Tewameter TM 300, Corneometer CM 825, skin thermometer and Chromameter CR 300. All parameters were assessed non-invasively on seven healthy volunteers before and after plasma application in vivo. We could show that TTP application leads to a decrease in beta-carotene especially in the superficial SC. Skin-surface temperature increased by 1.74°C, while the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increase indicated an impaired barrier function. SC hydration decreased as seen in water profile especially in the superficial layers and capacitance values. A slight increase in skin redness was measurable. The induction of reactive oxygen species is probably the major contributor of TTP efficacy in skin disinfection. Skin physiology parameters were influenced without damaging the skin or skin functions, indicating the safety of TTP under in vivo conditions.

Cutaneous resonance running time is decreased in psoriatic lesions

Psoriasis is characterized by lower stratum corneum (SC) hydration and dermal inflammation. Both SC hydration and cutaneous inflammation influence cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT). However, the characteristics of CRRT in psoriatic lesions are largely unknown. In the present study, we assessed whether changes in CRRT occur in psoriatic lesions in Chinese. A Reviscometer RVM600 and Corneometer CM 825 were used to measure CRRTs and SC hydration, respectively, in psoriatic lesions (psoriasis vulgaris) on the extensor of forearm in 111 subjects (58 men, 53 women), aged 23-80 years (50.42 ± 1.23 years). The contralateral uninvolved sites served as control. In comparison with contralateral uninvolved sites, CRRTs in psoriatic lesions were reduced significantly in all directions. There was neither gender nor age difference in the extent of reduction in CRRTs. However, the reduction of CRRTs varied with measurement directions. Positive correlations of SC hydration with CRRTs were found at some directions in uninvolved and involved sites in young men whereas CRRTs in psoriatic lesions were not correlated with SC hydration in either aged or young women. Moreover, CRRT at 0-6 o'clock direction was positively correlated with SC hydration in involved sites of aged men. Cutaneous resonance running times are decreased in psoriatic lesions. Reduction of CRRTs varies with measurement directions, but not gender or age. Measurement of CRRTs could be another valuable approach to assess the severity of psoriasis and the efficacy of its treatment.

Influence of probe application pressure on in vitro and in vivo capacitance (Corneometer CM 825®) and conductance (Skicon 200 EX®) measurements

The measuring probe of the electrical hydration instruments is equipped with a spring system to ensure a constant pressure of probe application on the skin surface. However, it is possible to trigger the measurement at, respectively, a low and a high force of probe application. It is the purpose of this paper to compare the in vitro and in vivo hydration values of the capacitance and conductance method at, respectively, low and high values of application pressure on the considered surface. In vitro capacitance and conductance hydration measurements were carried out at a low and a high pressure on a calibration filter pad impregnated with different alcohols and in vivo on different skin sites covering a wide range of hydration values. The in vitro results were pressure dependent and higher hydration values were noticed when the probes were applied with a high pressure compared with a low pressure. In vivo, the pressure effect was a function of the skin type and it was more pronounced for dry skin (40%), lower for normal skin (20%) and the lowest for hydrated skin (5-8%). This study confirms the influence of probe pressure application on the skin surface when carrying out capacitance and conductance hydration measurements.

The Effects of Mucopolysaccharide Polysulphate on Hydration and Elasticity of Human Skin

Background. Mucopolysaccharide polysulphate (MPS) has been used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent for over 50 years. Its chemical structure permits considerable hydrogen bonding with adjacent water molecules, which effectively leads to hydration of the surrounding tissue. In addition, it stimulates endogenous hyaluronate synthesis, resulting in an increase in water-binding capacity and viscoelasticity of the skin. Objective. To study the efficacy of 0.1% MPS on hydration and elasticity of human skin. Methods. The first part of this study was a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study which included 60 female volunteers aged 30–45 years with dry skin, defined by Corneometer CM 825. The volunteers were treated with either 0.1% MPS or vehicle control. All subjects were asked to apply 1 g of cream to their face twice daily for a total period of 4 weeks. Skin hydration and elasticity were measured at baseline and week 4 with Corneometer CM 825 and cutometer MPA 580, respectively, at forehead and both cheeks. The second part of this study focused on the efficacy of 0.1% MPS on skin hydration after single application. 20 female volunteers aged 30–45 years with dry skin, defined by Corneometer CM 825, were recruited to the study. All subjects were asked to apply 2 g of 0.1% MPS cream on entirely randomly selected forearm. Skin hydration at the middle of both forearms was measured at baseline, immediately after application, and every 1 hour after application for a period of 10 hours. Results. 57 subjects (28 in vehicle control group, 29 in MPS) completed treatment protocol. The baseline skin hydration of both groups was not significantly different (P = 0.47). Hower, there was a statistically significant difference in skin hydration at 4 weeks between MPS and placebo group (P = 0.01). Skin elasticity was significantly improved at week 4 in both groups (vehicle-control, P < 0.01, and MPS, P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in skin elasticity between MPS and vehicle-control group was noted (P = 0.15). Lastly, there was a statistically significant improvement in skin hydration after a single application (P < 0.01). This improvement was maintained for 10 hours. Conclusions. MPS provided improvement of skin hydration but not skin elasticity in woman with dry skin, compared with vehicle control. And MPS improved the skin hydration for at least 10 hours after single application.

P96 Hydration potential of a new UVA/UVB protection cream

Aim A new UVA/UVB protection cream SPF50+ (C) has been specially formulated for dermatologists and can be used as an adjunct to the treatment of photo-aggravated dermatoses and photo-induced dermatoses. The moisturizing properties of a protection cream provide additional comfort and therefore can contribute to maximizing patient adherence. A study was performed to assess the moisturizing properties of this new product. Methods This was an intra-individual, single blind, single centre, randomized study. Subjects having dry skin on the legs were recruited for this study. Moisturizing properties of C were compared to those of 2 other products (A, S). A non treated zone served as control. A single application of 2 mg/cm2 of each product on a zone of 5 cm×5 cm (50 μl on the entire zone) was performed. The moisturizing effect of each tested product was measured using a Corneometer(r) CM 825 before products’ application (t0) and at each of the following kinetic times: t1 h, t2 h, t4 h, t8 h, t12 h and t24 h after products’ application. Results Twenty one subjects were recruited. Mean age was 35.6 years and all subjects were female. The Corneometer(r) measurements showed that C had a hydration rate significantly higher than the one measured on the non treated zone from one hour to 12 hours after its application. On the contrary, A and S never significantly differed from the non treated zone, whatever the timepoint. C also had a better moisturizing effect than all other products up to 12 hours after its application (P<0.05). When the sum of hydration gains over 24 hours was considered, C was significantly better than A, and S (P<0.001). Conclusion These study results demonstrate the superior moisturizing properties of the new UVA/UVB protection cream.