Measure Skin Hydration Research Articles

The cosmetic and dermatological potential of keratin hydrolysate.

Although keratin hydrolysates have become established as standard components in hair and nail cosmetics, studies on the moisturizing effects of keratin hydrolysates do not appear among contemporary literature. To test if adding keratin hydrolysate into an ointment base increases hydration of the skin and improves skin barrier function, or diminishes trans-epidermal water loss. Formulations were prepared containing 2%, 4%, and 6% keratin hydrolysates (based on weight of the ointment base). The moisturizing properties of keratin hydrolysates were tested by measuring skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss and skin pH; measurements were carried out at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 h. Testing was conducted on 10 women. As regards hydration, adding 2% keratin hydrolysate to the ointment base is optimal, as an increase of 14%-23% occurs in hydration of the stratum corneum. For trans-epidermal water loss, adding 4% KH to the ointment base is preferential, as this triggers a 26%-46% decrease in trans-epidermal water loss. Keratin hydrolysate acts as a humectant (it binds water from lower layers of the epidermis to the stratum corneum) as well as an occlusive (it reduces trans-epidermal water loss). The highly favorable properties of keratin hydrolysates are attributed to the wide distribution of keratin hydrolysates molecular weights; low-molecular weight fractions easily penetrate the SC, while high-molecular weight fractions form a protective film on the epidermis. Adding keratin hydrolysates to the ointment base did not cause phase separation even after 6 mo storage.

Skin Hydration Sensor for Customizable Electronic Textiles

This paper introduces the design and simulated operation of a capacitive hydration sensor for integration into textile-based electronics. The multilayer patch is composed of a textile layer and an attached series of serpentine-interdigitated electrodes. The model used for simulations incorporated this design onto a representative model of skin. The serpentine-interdigitated electrodes are electrodes for capacitive measurement of skin hydration. In this study, the capacitance change relative to skin hydration was simulated using finite element analysis. The simulation results suggest the fabric layer had little effect on the capacitance of the sensor. Furthermore, the frequency domain simulations indicated that the capacitance of the sensor decreased with increasing frequency, and the decrease in capacitance was more significant for the dry skin compared to the wet skin. Therefore, the variation in the capacitance value of the serpentine-interdigitated electrodes can be employed for continuous skin hydration detection.

Quantitative and simultaneous non-invasive measurement of skin hydration and sebum levels.

We report a method on quantitative and simultaneous non-contact in-vivo hydration and sebum measurements of the skin using an infrared optical spectroscopic set-up. The method utilizes differential detection with three wavelengths 1720, 1750, and 1770 nm, corresponding to the lipid vibrational bands that lay "in between" the prominent water absorption bands. We have used an emulsifier containing hydro- and lipophilic components to mix water and sebum in various volume fractions which was applied to the skin to mimic different oily-dry skin conditions. We also measured the skin sebum and hydration values on the forehead under natural conditions and its variations to external stimuli. Good agreement was found between our experimental results and reference values measured using conventional biophysical methods such as Corneometer and Sebumeter.

Understanding effects of topical ingredients on electrical measurement of skin hydration.

Methods that assess skin hydration based on changes in its electrical properties are widely used in both cosmetic and medical research. However, the devices themselves often give results which are significantly different to each other. Although some work has previously been carried out to try and understand what these devices are actually reading, it was based on a technique for measuring the devices' responses to filter discs impregnated with different liquids, which could in itself be influencing the measurements. Presented here is a new method for measuring the devices' direct responses to different materials and solutions which removes any other confounding effects, thereby providing a clearer insight into their operation. The responses of a variety of different liquids and solutions were measured using the Corneometer® and Skicon® . A new method is presented, based on the use of a custom-designed PTFE block to hold the liquids, allowing their measurement without using a filter paper. This method was developed and tested against the existing filter paper-based approach. Differences were observed in results between filter paper- and PTFE block-based approach, indicating that the filter paper itself is capable of influencing the measurements and as such is not to be recommended for assessing how different liquids impact on results from the devices. A positive correlation was observed between Corneometer® and Skicon® readings for certain solutions and under certain conditions. A large influence of salt concentration was noted for the Skicon® device with no or minimal impact from the actual water itself, humectants and emollients. Salts, emollients, water and humectants were observed to have an effect on Corneometer® readings. Both the Corneometer® and Skicon® were influenced to different extents by chemicals other than water and therefore cannot be seen purely as measures of skin 'hydration'. Although there is strong evidence that the devices do correlate with expert assessment of skin dryness, the level of water in the skin is only part of the story when it comes to understanding the benefits of topical moisturizing products applied to the skin. An alternative approach would be to consider skin 'moisturization' as a property which is influenced by water, salts and other materials such as humectants and emollients, which is more consistent with how the stratum corneum itself helps to maintain its plasticity and flexibility. In the work presented here, the Corneometer® was more suited to providing a measurement which reflects the impact of multiple different components.

Conditioned medium from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes skin moisturization and effacement of wrinkles in UVB-irradiated SKH-1 hairless mice.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutic agents for various diseases. To investigate the effects of conditioned medium from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-CdM) on pro-collagen production and wrinkle formation, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments. We assessed the effects of MSC-CdM on proliferation and photo-aging in human dermal fibroblasts after UVB exposure using enzyme activity assays for collagen type I secretion and MMP-1. To determine the effect of topically applied MSC-CdM on wrinkle formation, MSC-CdM (1% and 10%) and vehicle (propylene glycol: ethanol, 7 : 3) were applied to the dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated hairless mice for 8 weeks. We examined the effects on wrinkle formation by assessing visual skin grading, replica, tape stripping, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration measurement. We also examined histology of the lesions using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining. MSC-CdM markedly reduced UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression and increased pro-collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that MSC-CdM induces repair of dermal damage and effacement of wrinkles on UVB-irradiated hairless mice through protective effect of hydration. These results support an anti-wrinkle effect of MSC-CdM that involves increased collagen synthesis and suggest that MSC-CdM might be a potential candidate for preventing UV-induced skin damage.

A Novel Cassia fistula (L.)-Based Emulsion Elicits Skin Anti-Aging Benefits in Humans

Cassia fistula, a flowering plant in the family of Caesalpinaceae (Fabaceae), is used in traditional medicine for several indications. Nevertheless, too little is known about its effects on skin conditions and skin aging. Therefore, in this pioneering study, the extracts of oil-in-water macro-emulsions containing 5% C. fistula (L.) crude pods (i.e., phyto-active formulation) were optimally developed and compared to the placebo (i.e., emulsions without the crude extract) for assessment of their effects on human skin aging. Healthy adult male volunteers (n = 13) with a mean age of 31 ± 5.5 years (range: 24–47 years) were enrolled after informed written consent. For 12 consecutive weeks, the subjects were directed to use a patch containing the active emulsion on one of their forearms as well as a patch containing the placebo on their other forearm. Biometrological measurements of skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed on both sides of their respective cheeks at time 0 (baseline values), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12th weeks. Surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) was taken at time 0 (baseline values) or after 1, 2 and 3 months. Topical application of C. fistula extracts showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in stratum corneum hydration level, a significant enhancement in its water-holding function as well as in its barrier function. Further, significant (p < 0.005) ameliorations of skin aspects were observed (i.e., less roughness, less dryness, less wrinkles). Taken together, our results strongly suggest therapeutic and esthetic potential of C. fistula pod’s extracts to prevent or delay human skin aging.

Face Masks for Noninvasive Ventilation: Fit, Excess Skin Hydration, and Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers (stages III and IV) are serious safety events (ie, never events). Healthcare institutions are no longer reimbursed for costs to care for affected patients. Medical devices are the leading cause of pediatric pressure ulcers. Face masks for noninvasive ventilation were associated with a high percentage of pressure ulcers at our institution. A prospective cohort study investigated factors contributing to pressure ulcer development in 50 subjects using face masks for noninvasive ventilation. Color imaging, 3-dimensional surface imaging, and skin hydration measurements were used to identify early skin compromise and evaluate 3 interventions to reduce trauma: (1) a silicone foam dressing, (2) a water/polyethylene oxide hydrogel dressing, and (3) a flexible cloth mask. A novel mask fit technique was used to examine the impact of fit on the potential for skin compromise. Fifty subjects age 10.4 ± 9.1 y participated with color images for 22, hydration for 34, and mask fit analysis for 16. Of these, 69% had diagnoses associated with craniofacial anomalies. Stage I pressure ulcers were the most common injury. Skin hydration difference was 317 ± 29 for sites with erythema versus 75 ± 28 for sites without erythema (P < .05) and smallest for the cloth mask (P < .05). Fit distance metrics differed for the nasal, oronasal, and face shield interfaces, with threshold distances being higher for the oronasal mask than the others (P < .05). Areas of high contact were associated with skin erythema and pressure ulcers. This fit method is currently being utilized to select best-fit masks from available options, to identify the potential areas of increased tissue pressure, and to prevent skin injuries and their complications. Improvement of mask fit is an important priority for improving respiratory outcomes. Strategies to maintain normal skin hydration are important for protecting tissue integrity.

Biomechanical Properties of the Skin in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Compared to Healthy Individuals.

Biomechanical skin changes in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BRCL) have barely been described and objectively tested. This study aims to compare the skin of upper limb lymphedema with skin of the healthy contralateral arm, in order to demonstrate changes of elasticity, viscoelasticity, and level of hydration of the skin in BCRL. The secondary aim is to investigate the correlation between biomechanical skin changes and measurements that are currently used in clinical practice, such as volume measurement and lymph-ICF score. Eighteen patients with BCRL and 18 healthy individuals were included in the study. A Cutometer® was used for measurements for skin elasticity and viscoelasticity on both arms of each subject. A Corneometer® was used for measurements of skin hydration. Measurements of both test groups were compared. In BCRL patients, there was a significant difference (p = < 0.028) between the elasticity of the skin of the lymphedema arm compared to the healthy contralateral arm. There were no significant differences for level of skin hydration or viscoelasticity in lymphedema patients between the measurements on the skin of the lymphedematous and healthy arm. In healthy individuals, there were no significant differences for all measurements between skin of both arms. Spearman's correlation was significant (p = < 0.01) for difference in volume and difference in elasticity in BCRL patients. This study shows an impaired elasticity for the skin of the lower arm in patients with lymphedema compared to the contralateral healthy arm. Promising evidence is suggested for the use of the Cutometer device in the diagnostic evaluation of BCRL.

Effects of Topical N-Acetylcysteine on Skin Hydration/Transepidermal Water Loss in Healthy Volunteers and Atopic Dermatitis Patients.

Dear Editor: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing chronic inflammatory pruritic skin disorder that has been partially attributed to skin barrier dysfunction. Skin barrier function was previously estimated by measuring skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and low levels of skin hydration along with high levels of TEWL were reported in AD patients1,2. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol derivative that stimulates the synthesis of glutathione, an internal antioxidant. NAC has been clinically used as a mucolytic agent as well as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. NAC was previously reported to be useful in the treatment of skin diseases including toxic epidermal necrolysis and lamellar ichthyosis3,4. NAC may exert beneficial effects in skin diseases by: (1) reacting with oxidative intermediates and replenishing intracellular cysteine levels; (2) inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and factors; and (3) regulating epidermal proliferation. In the present study, we assessed the clinical effects of topical NAC on skin hydration and TEWL in healthy volunteers and AD patients. We enrolled 10 healthy volunteers (6 males and 4 females, age range: 28 to 76 years) and 11 AD patients (6 males and 5 females, age range: 31 to 73 years). AD patients had been receiving topical treatments including corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment. Patients were not receiving cyclosporine or methotrexate. Patients with severe co-existing conditions as well as those with a heavy smoking status and/or high alcohol consumption were excluded. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University (No. 20-14). A NAC solution (20 w/v%; Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) or its control vehicle was applied to the forearm skin twice a day for 4 weeks. Forearm skin hydration and TEWL were measured before and after the topical NAC application. Skin hydration and TEWL were measured using a Corneometer and Tewameter (Courage+Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany). The topical application of NAC for 4 weeks increased skin hydration in 9/10 healthy volunteers (Fig. 1A, increase from 36.2±9.9 to 48.8±15.7 arbitrary units, p=0.001) and decreased TEWL in 8/10 healthy volunteers (Fig. 1B, decrease from 13.5±8.9 to 10.1±6.1 g/hm2, p= 0.0341). Topical application of the control vehicle for 4 weeks decreased skin hydration in 8/11 AD patients (Fig. 1C, decrease from 39.3±15.1 to 33.3±11.6 arbitrary units, p=0.0409). The topical application of NAC increased skin hydration in 9/11 AD patients (Fig. 1C, increase from 35.6±12.0 to 44.7±13.9 arbitrary units, p=0.0262) and decreased TEWL in 9 AD patients (Fig. 1D, decrease from 18.1±15.1 to 10.8±11.2 g/hm2, p=0.0409). Fig. 1 (A, B) Effects of the topical application of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (for 4 weeks) on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in healthy volunteers. (C, D) Effects of the topical application of NAC on skin hydration and TEWL in atopic dermatitis ... In a mouse model of AD, NAC was reported to restore the expression of some cell adhesion molecules that contribute to skin barrier formation by reducing oxidative stress5. Therefore, the topical application of NAC may increase skin hydration and decrease TEWL by strengthening the function of this barrier. Lamellar ichthyosis exhibits abnormal keratinization due to TGM1 gene mutations and a differential pattern of filaggrin expression, which implies that the success of NAC treatment in lamellar ichthyosis may be attributed to NAC-induced amelioration of abnormal keratinization and improvements in skin barrier function. Our results also support the possibility of skin barrier function restoration by NAC. Although AD patients generally have low levels of skin hydration and high levels of TEWL1,2, we could not obtain consistent results. Some AD patients have been shown to have normal skin barrier function6, and these values can be affected by various factors such as seasonality, exercise, and lifestyle. Thus, future studies involving a larger number of patients and excluding skin barrier-deteriorating factors are required to accurately assess the effects of NAC on AD.

Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of forehead skin in women in Guangzhou City, China.

Skin appearance is influenced by biophysical parameters. Seasonal changes affect the condition of normal skin and may trigger cutaneous disorders. This study was undertaken to measure the effects of seasonal changes on biophysical parameters in the skin of female subjects living in Guangzhou City in southern China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 178 healthy, adult Chinese women in whom forehead skin was examined in all four seasons between March 2007 and February 2008. Commercially available, non-invasive devices were used to measure skin hydration, sebum content, pH, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a closed environment under controlled and constant conditions of temperature and humidity. Correlations between skin parameters and climate conditions were investigated. There were significant seasonal changes in TEWL and pH (autumn and winter > spring and summer), skin hydration (spring and summer > autumn and winter), and sebum content (spring and summer > autumn and winter). Skin hydration was correlated with average temperature and humidity. Skin TEWL and skin pH were correlated with average temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels. Skin sebum content was correlated with average humidity. Facial skin physiology showed seasonal variations in China. The reasons for the changes may refer to seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and UV radiation.

Influence of a multiple emulsion, liposomes and a microemulsion gel on sebum, skin hydration and TEWL.

In this study, the influence of three cosmetically relevant, priorly characterized vehicles on skin hydration, sebum content and transepidermal water loss was investigated. The chosen vehicles included a liposomal pre-formulation, a multiple W/O/W emulsion and a microemulsion gel. The in vivo effects of these vehicles were demonstrated and compared among them. The stability of the prepared vehicles was determined visually, microscopically, rheologically by pH measurements and particle size. Interactions with skin were assessed by non-invasive biophysical techniques using the Corneometer(®), Aqua Flux(®) and Sebumeter, measuring skin hydration, TEWL and skin sebum content, respectively. All vehicles remained stable over an observation period of 6 weeks. The multiple emulsion increased sebum content and skin hydration. In case of the liposomes, each monitored parameter remained almost constant. In contrast, the microemulsion gel lowered skin hydration and increased TEWL values, but even 1 week after termination of the treatment TEWL decreased almost close to control levels. All produced vehicles were proven to remain physically stable over the duration of this study. The used multiple emulsion showed very skin-friendly properties by increasing sebum and skin hydration. Likewise, the liposomal pre-formulation exhibited no negative effects. On the contrary, the investigated microemulsion gel seemed to have skin dehydrating and TEWL increasing features. However, the multiple emulsion as well as liposomes was identified to be well-tolerated vehicles for skin which might qualify them for the use in cosmetic formulations.

Long duration ultrasound facilitates delivery of a therapeutic agent

The ability for ultrasound to enhance drug delivery through the skin has been established in an animal model. This research tested the delivery of a therapeutic agent into human skin using sustained ultrasonic application over multiple hours. An IRB-approved pilot study was conducted using hyalaronan, a polymer found in the skin and associated with hydration. To assess the effectiveness of the delivery, a standard protocol was applied to measure moisture of the volar forearm with a corneometer. Fifteen subjects applied the hyalaronan to their forearms daily. One location was then treated with a multi-hour ultrasonic treatment, and the other was not. Baseline skin hydration measurements were taken for one week, followed by daily treatments with moisturizer and corneometer measurements twice per week for three weeks. Subjects experienced double the increase in sustained moisture when ultrasound was used in conjunction with a moisturizer when compared to moisturizer alone (p&amp;lt;0.001) over the four weeks. This study successfully demonstrated ultrasound treatment enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent into the skin.

Investigating skin barrier function utilizing reflectance NIR spectroscopy.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy is seen as a potentially valuable technique for skin analysis, and has been employed by many previous studies to measure skin hydration, since it is competent of providing information regarding various functional groups including OH, CH and NH bands. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of further utilizing this method by attempting to analyze skin barrier function as well as water content, through the evaluation of skin water uptake on two test sites, one untreated, and another treated with a high lipid moisturizer for a period of 7 days. Reflectance NIRS measurements were supported by capacitance readings obtained using the Corneometer® CM 825. Baseline recordings taken on the first day following treatment showed that more differences were observed between the treated and untreated sites in the regions belonging to, or are influenced by CH and NH groups rather than purely on the water bands. On the hand, moisture levels measured after placing a wet patch on the skin remained nearly equal for both sites but second derivative spectra showed that a clear contrast existed between absorbance heights at the water bands of the treated and untreated, suggesting that moisturizer use could have limited water uptake to a more superficial layer of the skin, whereas for the untreated site, the opposite would have been true and water was able to penetrate deeper. Overall, results here suggest that NIR spectroscopy can possibly provide valuable information not only on skin water contents but perhaps on other skin parameters such as barrier function.

Biophysical parameters of rats’ skin after the administration of methimazole

Abstract The paper describes the influence of oral administration of methimazole on biophysical skin parameters. Wistar rats of different sex (220-260 g) were used in the experiment. Biophysical skin parameters, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometry, and pH were examined at seven-day intervals. Significant changes in the parameters were observed on the 7th d of methimazole administration. The changes were observed in both sex but males appeared to be less sensitive in that respect. Changes in the parameters in the females showed rapid mechanisms, which normalised transepidermal water loss and skin hydration, as well as restored skin barrier functions. TEWL, skin hydration, and skin pH measurements allow an early assessment of skin barrier dysfunction after administration of this drug.

Biometrological methods to evaluate in vivo the skin hydratation of different commercial moisturizers containing 10.0% urea as the main claim

The biometrological measurements of skin hydration and transepidermal water loss are important parameters to evaluate the moisturizing ability of creams and lotions suitable for this purpose. This study analyzed, through biometrological tests, the performance of five different commercial moisturizing creams containing 10.0 % urea. The amount of water in the stratum corneum was analyzed by Corneometer®, equipment that measures the skin hydration by capacitance principle. The transepidermal water loss was analyzed by TEWLmeter®, equipment that measures water evaporation through the skin. Student t-tests were applied to these measures, which demonstrated significant differences between the hydration performances of the moisturizing creams analyzed. The moisturizer identified as D showed a better moisturizing ability and better prevented transepidermal water loss. Overall, results showed the importance of testing equivalence for topical products, since, as demonstrated in this study, although certain products may contain the same active substance, differences in their vehicles’ composition can alter the effectiveness.

Silicones as Nonocclusive Topical Agents

Background/Aims: Silicone excipients are commonly used ingredients because of their emollient and skin-conditioning effects, and their ability to form uniform, water-resistant, yet permeable films. Based on comparisons with organic materials and conflicting knowledge from silicones used in scar treatment, the misconception still exists that silicone topical excipients are occlusive substances that may block the passive loss of water through the upper skin layers. Therefore, 3 types of common silicone excipients and 3 water-in-(oil-plus-silicone) or W/(O + Si) creams, containing 10% (w/w) of the respective silicones, were investigated as a function of time and compared to petrolatum. Methods: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration measurements were carried out after a single topical application on forearm skin of 26 healthy young female volunteers. Results: Both petrolatum and silicones significantly decreased TEWL 15 min after application, but the measurements for the silicones were not significantly different from the untreated control values. The tested silicones did not moisturize the skin. Petrolatum formed an occlusive layer, creating an increase in skin hydration for more than 4 h. The results measured for the W/(O + Si) creams indicated that they moisturized the skin, without any effect on TEWL. Conclusion: A clear difference was shown between the skin occlusive properties of petrolatum and the water vapor permeability of the common silicone excipient materials.

Comparison of two series of non‐invasive instruments used for the skin physiological properties measurements: the ‘Soft Plus’ from Callegari S.p.A vs. the series of detectors from Courage &amp; Khazaka

The invasive measuring techniques are of great help in the evaluation of skin physiological functions and topical formulation. The reproducibility and accuracy of the instrument are crucial. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring skin hydration, pH, sebum, elasticity and melanin on the forearm or faces between two commercially available series of instruments. 20 subjects were enrolled to be measured by the two series of instruments. The measurements by each series were performed on the left/right side of the body randomly. The pH, sebum, elasticity and melanin measurements were performed on the faces in different areas, while the hydration measurements were operated on the forearms before and after wet dressing, respectively. Positive correlations were found in the values of skin SC hydration, pH, sebum and melanin detected by the two series. The values related to skin elasticity measured by the two instruments were statistically negative correlated. The Soft Plus series has higher variation in detecting skin hydration, pH, and melanin than the instruments from Courage & Khazaka. The differences of the two series must be instrument related. The difference in level of measurement can be due either to differences in the design of the probe, to differences in time for measurement, to differences in left/right part of the body or a combination of these three. The two series have significant correlations. The instruments from CK are more reproducible.

Topically delivered dissolved oxygen reduces inflammation and positively influences structural proteins in healthy intact human skin

As oxygen is essential for wound healing and there is limited diffusion across the stratum corneum into the epidermis, we wanted to evaluate whether the topical delivery of a total dissolved oxygen in dressing form on intact human subject skin would improve clinical and histologic skin functioning. Fifty normal, healthy subjects completed a pilot clinical evaluation to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a dissolved oxygen dressing (OxygeneSys™-Continuous) to improve the health and appearance of intact skin. Clinical analysis was performed on 50 subjects; histological and gene expression analysis was performed on 12 of the 50 subjects to assess the effect of the dissolved oxygen dressing. Clinical data demonstrate that the dressing is well tolerated, and several measures of skin health and integrity showed improvements compared with a control dressing site. Skin hydration measurements showed a statistically significant increase in skin hydration at 0-4, 4-8, and 0-8 weeks (P < 0.05 at each time point). The blinded clinical investigator's grading of desquamation, roughness, and skin texture show significant decreases from baseline to the 8-week time point (P < 0.05). The dressings were removed prior to the blinded clinical investigator's grading. These data were supported by the histological and gene expression studies, which showed a general reduction in inflammatory response markers and transcription products (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, MMP-1, and MMP-12), while facilitating a general increase in structural skin proteins (collagen I, elastin, and filaggrin). Additionally, p53 signals from biopsy samples support the clinical investigator's observations of no safety concerns. The data from this study demonstrate that the dressing has no deleterious effects and stimulates beneficial effects on intact, nonwounded skin.

The influence of a humectant‐rich mixture on normalz skin barrier function and on once‐ and twice‐daily treatment of foot xerosis. A prospective, randomized, evaluator–blind, bilateral and untreated‐control study

Moisturizers are often used to overcome dry skin conditions. However, cosmetic moisturizers may lack in efficiency and may also deteriorate skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to generate data on a new humectant-rich formulation (15% alfahydroxy acids and 15% urea) in the treatment of normal skin as well as in dry feet with hyperkeratosis and cracked skin with fissures. Changes in permeability and effectiveness of the product after once- and twice-daily applications to the feet will be monitored. The study was randomized, bilateral, controlled and evaluator-blind. The first part of the study included 12 healthy volunteers and the second part 50 patients with hyperkeratotic feet. The changes in the skin was evaluated by an expert, the patients and using non-invasive biophysical measurements of skin barrier function (transepidermal water loss, TEWL), erythema, thickness (ultrasound) and hydration (conductance). The humectant-rich formulation increased skin hydration, removed scales and reduced thickness of hyperkeratotic skin. Skin barrier function was improved in normal skin, but no changes in TEWL were noted in the feet. No difference between once and twice-daily applications was found. Some smarting and stinging was noted. The humectant-rich formulation efficiently relieved the xerosis on the feet without inducing any weakening of the skin barrier function. Instead the normal skin became more resistant to external insults by the treatment.

An Elementary Note on Skin Hydration Measurement Using Memristive Effect

The Memristor was predicted by Prof. L. Chua in 1971 and first prototype was reported by team of HP researcher. The memristor follows interesting relation in the view of magnetic flux and charge. There are tremendous applications areas emerged out in the framework of memristor in last few years. The applications in the Memory Technology, Neuromorphic Hardware solution, Soft Computing are name of few. The memristor was hidden at many instances in biomedical fields, but recently reported literature revels that memristor is universal part of medical diagnosis. In the bird eye view of this scenario, this paper deals with elementary note on the skin hydration measurement using memristor.