Comparison of the skin biophysical parameters of Southeast Asia females: forehead–cheek and ethnic groups

Background Regional and ethnic (racial) differences in skin properties are well known. However, regional and racial studies are limited and have studied skin properties using an insufficient number of subjects and limited ethnic groups, except in the case of some recent studies. Objective The aim of this study was (1) to compare the skin biophysical parameter among the large scale of Southeast Asia females group and (2) to compare skin properties of the forehead and cheek. Methods We measured and compared seven skin biophysical parameters, such as skin hydration, sebum, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index, skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), of the forehead and cheek of a large population of Indonesian (n = 200), Vietnamese (n = 100) and Singaporean females (n = 97). Results At the point of site difference, there were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and skin elasticity) in Indonesian females. In Vietnamese and Singaporean women, they were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and TEWL). At the point of ethnic difference, the Indonesian women had the highest skin pH and melanin index between the different ethnic groups. Vietnamese women had the highest skin hydration and TEWL in the forehead, whereas Singaporean women had the highest skin elasticity. Conclusion The skin biophysical parameters are different between the forehead and cheek among Southeast Asian females. It also reveals that the biophysical parameters are different in same racial group.     

昆明地区成年女性面部皮肤屏障功能检测

目的 了解昆明地区成年女性皮肤屏障功能在年龄及部位上的差异.方法 将150名昆明地区（18 ～70）岁的女性志愿者分为3个不同年龄组,分别为：青年组（18～ 34岁）、中年组（35 ～ 49岁）及老年组（50～70岁）,每组50人.采用无创性皮肤检测仪对志愿者的左侧面颊部及额中部进行水分、油脂及TEWL的检测.结果 青年组面颊部水分（38.46±5.70）、油脂（60.70±35.78）及额中部水分（39.57±5.08）、油脂（104.56±45.40）含量最高,老年组面颊部水分（31.00±6.09）、油脂（26.87±16.71）及额中部水分（32.54±5.84）、油脂（39.67±24.44）含量最低.而面颊部TEWL（10.76±3.95）及额中部TEWL（10.13±3.76）均在青年组检测值最低.各年龄组女性额中部的油脂明显高于面颊部,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,每个年龄组面颊部水分与额中部水分比较,面颊部TEWL与额中部TEWL比较均无明显差异（P＞0.05）.结论 昆明地区成年女性面颊部及额中部水分、油脂随年龄增长而逐渐减少,而TEWL值随年龄增长逐渐增大.     

Skin barrier function recovery after diamond microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular method for facial rejuvenation and is performed worldwide. Despite its extensive usage, there are few publications on skin barrier change after microdermabrasion and none concerning diamond microdermabrasion. Our object was to see changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and erythema of the face following diamond microdermabrasion. Twenty-eight patients were included in this spilt face study. TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and the degree of erythema were measured from the right and left sides of the face (forehead and cheek) at baseline. One side of the face was treated with diamond microdermabrasion and the other side was left untreated. Measurements were taken right after the procedure and repeated at set time intervals. Diamond microdermabrasion was associated with a statistically significant increase in TEWL immediately after the procedure and at 24 h. However, on day 2, levels of TEWL were back to baseline. An increase in hydration and erythema was observed right after microdermabrasion, but both returned to baseline on day 1. The results show that skin barrier function of the forehead and cheek recovers within 2 days of diamond microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion performed on a weekly basis, as presently done, is expected to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most parts of the face.     

Degreasing method for the seborrheic areas with respect to regaining sebum excretion rate to casual level

Background/aims: Sebum excreted from the seborrheic glands keeps the skin surface subtle and moist. Before determining the activity of seborrheic glands, the skin surface must be degreased to remove contamination but without provoking sebum excretion. The purpose of this study was to set up a standardised degreasing procedure for various seborrheic areas in different skin types. The method will take day‐to‐day variations into account with respect to the kinetics of refatting. Methods: The Sebumeter^® from Courage+Khazaka is used to quantify the sebum excretion. Day‐to‐day variations were measured on the forehead in groups of 12 volunteers on 2 consecutive days. The degreasing procedure was investigated by individual cleaning with alcohol compared to washing with a mild detergent followed by wipes with alcohol on the forehead. The degree of refatting was monitored until 3 h after defatting on seborrheic areas: the forehead, cheek, nose, chin and upper back. Results: There was no statistical significant difference in the variation from day to day (P<0.05), although a change in the individual skin types was observed. An individual difference in the number of alcoholic wipes needed to degrease the forehead was seen. Washing followed by several repetitions of alcoholic wipes was not sufficient for the forehead, chin and nose (P>0.05). For the cheek and upper back, it was sufficient to wash with soap (P<0.05). The time from degreasing the skin until the sebum output reached the casual level was 2 h (P>0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) indicates that individual skin types return to casual level after defatting. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant day‐to‐day variation using the Sebumeter^®. We ended up with different degreasing procedures in different seborrheic areas. Washing gently with a detergent solution and then performing three wipes with alcohol was optimal for degreasing the forehead, nose and chin. For the cheek and upper back, it was sufficient to use a mild soap. Casual level was reached after 2 h in all seborrheic areas, irrespective of level of oiliness.     

Comparative Measurement of Biophysical Parameters in Consideration of Skin Graft Donor Site for Nasal Defects

BackgroundIn planning a skin graft, the texture, color, and size of the recipient and donor site tissues should be considered.ObjectiveWe determined the optimal donor sites for nasal full-thickness skin grafting based on biophysical parameters.MethodsThirty women over the age of 60 were selected for this study. Four recipient sites (nasal root, dorsum, tip, ala) and three donor sites (preauricle, postauricle, forehead) were considered. Biophysical parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, sebum output, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica technique were tested.ResultsThe nasal root was correlated with the forehead in terms of TEWL and sebum output. The nasal dorsum was correlated with the preauricle in terms of TEWL, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica measurements. The nasal tip was correlated with the preauricle in terms of TEWL, sebum output, erythema/melanin value, and skin replica measurements. The ala was correlated with the forehead in terms of TEWL and skin replica measurements.ConclusionThe preauricule is the optimal donor site for resurfacing of the nasal dorsum and tip. The forehead is a good donor site for alar defects. For resurfacing of the nasal root, the forehead and postauricle are good choices.     

Effect of skin pH for wrinkle formation on Asian: Korean,Vietnamese and Singaporean

Background Skin pH may be influenced by various factors, such as hydration of stratum corneum, rate of sebum excretion rate, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweating in relation to skin ageing. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between skin pH and wrinkle formation that is directly related to ageing. In addition, we investigated the factors related to skin ageing by comparing the association between skin pH and other skin properties. Methods Three hundred volunteers were selected from three countries: Korea, Vietnam and Singapore. Hydration on the stratum corneum, the rate of sebum excretion rate, melanin index, TEWL and skin temperature on the cheek were measured in a controlled room, and wrinkle length and depth using replicas were compared with skin pH variation. Results The mean and standard deviation of skin surface pH among the three countries were 5.510 ± 0.625. The greatest gap of skin pH that revealed significant differences for skin properties was represented between the Koreans and the Vietnamese. For all three countries, skin hydration, melanin contents, wrinkle length, wrinkle depth and skin temperature were significantly correlated with skin pH. Factors related to skin moisturizing, such as skin hydration, sebum excretion rate and skin temperature, were negatively correlated with skin pH. Wrinkle length and depth decreased as skin pH became more acidic. Conclusions Skin properties displayed various values depending on skin pH. In particular, wrinkle formation significantly decreased as skin pH becomes more acidic. We conclude that skin pH is determined by skin properties, such as skin hydration, sebum excretion rate, melanin concentration, TEWL and skin temperature that affects wrinkle formation.     

Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Seborrhea leads to facial greasiness and unpleasant feeling. People with seborrhea also have trouble with selecting moisturizers. l -Carnitine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are reported anti-sebum properties. However, neither efficacy comparison nor the combination effect of the two topical anti-sebum agents was studied. Moisturizing cream with these agents is supposed to provide skin with an optimal water–oil balance.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing 2% l -carnitine or 5% EGCG alone on sebum controlling, and the synergistic effect of these two agents.

Methods

Three study creams were formulated by adding three kinds of anti-sebum agents which were 2% l -carnitine, 5% EGCG, and 2% l -carnitine plus 5% EGCG in moisturizing cream base of dimethicone and glycerin. A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Ninety subjects, divided into three groups, applied the cream for 4 weeks. Sebum level, skin capacitance, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evaluated at Weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4. Life qualities and subjective outcomes were assessed before and after treatment.

Results

The mean sebum reduction from baseline was statistically significant in all treatment groups (p < 0.01). The median time to oil control was longer in l -carnitine group. The combine group had significantly greater anti-sebum efficacy than l -carnitine group (p = 0.009). All three groups had significant improvement of other objective parameters and subjective outcomes.

Conclusions

The anti-sebum moisturizing cream exhibited beneficial effect on the sebum reduction with improve skin hydration in people with seborrhea and made users satisfied. The EGCG group and the combine group show the greater anti-sebum effect than the l -carnitine group.     

Biophysical characteristics of skin in diabetes: a controlled study

Background  Cutaneous complications are common in diabetes. Previous assays suggest that hyperglycemia and decreased insulin signal are involved in the impairment of skin function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical characteristics of skin in patients with diabetes mellitus and compares them with healthy non-diabetic controls.
Objective  To measure biophysical characteristic of skin including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), water content, sebum and skin elasticity in patients with diabetes mellitus and compare them with healthy non-diabetic controls.
Methods  This case-control study was conducted on 38 patients with diabetes and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy people. The biophysical properties of skin including stratum corneum (SC) hydration, sebum content, TEWL and skin elasticity were measured and compared between the two groups at three different locations of the body.
Results  The measurement of SC hydration and TEWL showed no significant difference between diabetics and controls. The skin surface lipids on the forehead but not other sites were significantly lower in the diabetics than in the controls. Acoustic wave propagation speed, a measurement related to skin elasticity, was significantly lower in forearm and forehead of diabetics.
Conclusion  Diabetes affects some functional properties of epidermis and dermis that may responsible for many cutaneous manifestations of diabetes. These results suggest that patients with diabetes mellitus tend to show a normal hydration state of the SC together with decreased sebaceous gland activity and impaired skin elasticity, without any impairment of the SC barrier function.

Conflicts of interest

None declared     

特应性皮炎患儿与健康儿童皮肤屏障功能的对比

目的探讨特应性皮炎(AD)患儿与健康儿童皮肤屏障功能的差异。方法 0～7岁的AD患儿和健康儿童各60名,根据不同年龄段分成2组,0～2岁组和2～7岁组各30例。依次进行角质层含水量、pH值、经表皮水分丢失量(TEWL)的测量,使用SPSS13.0统计软件分析。结果 0～2岁、2～7岁AD患儿与健康儿童比较,角质层含水量除前臂无差异外,前额和颊前均明显低于健康对照组;皮肤表面pH值均明显高于健康对照组;0～2岁的AD患儿TEWL值除前臂无差异外,前额和颊前均明显高于健康对照组,而2～7岁AD患儿TEWL值均明显高于健康对照组。结论 AD患儿与健康儿童比较,皮肤屏障功能存在障碍。表现为角质层含水量、皮肤表面pH值、TEWL值有不同程度的差异。     

Skin Characteristics in Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor Using Non-Invasive Method, MPA5

Background

Skin pigmentary changes of pityriasis versicolor may occur as either hyperpigmented or hypopigmented lesions, depending on the outcome of interactions between Malassezia yeasts and the skin, such as lipoperoxidation process, stimulus of inflammatory cell to melanocytes, and increased thickness of keratin layer.

Objective

To investigate skin characteristic factors that enhance the susceptibility to Malassezia yeasts and provoke different color changes of pityriasis versicolor patients.

Methods

To clarify these factors, we investigated the skin characteristics of pityriasis versicolor patients, using a non-invasive method known as MPA 5® (Courage and Khazaka, Germany). A total of 90 normal healthy subjects and 30 pityriasis versicolor patients were included in this study.

Results

Both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor skin lesions showed higher humidity, increased sebum excretion rate and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values than normal healthy subjects. But no significant difference of specific Malassezia yeasts species between hyperpigmented and hypopigmented skin lesions was evident.

Conclusion

These results indicate that higher humidity and increased sebum level provide a better growing environment of Malassezia yeasts in the skin, leading to the assumption that interaction between Malassezia yeasts and skin barrier materials makes disruption of skin barrier causing increased TEWL.     

Mapping the human face: biophysical properties

Background: Facial skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin belonging to other areas of the body. Small to large regional differences in biophysical properties between facial sites are observed. Technological advances in dermatological research allow a quantitative study of the biophysical qualities of the face and its relation to skin elsewhere. However, comprehensive studies examining inter‐regional variations using each of the six standard biophysical parameters have been few. We summarize findings on the biophysical parameters used to explore the human face as well as regional differences in skin reactivity to chemical irritants. Methods: We performed a literature search using Pubmed, Embase, Science Citations Index, and the UCSF's dermatological library on biophysical parameters and skin physiology pertaining to the human face. Results: Distinct regional differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, blood flow, sebum, pH, and temperature were demonstrated in facial skin. However, studies cannot be compared with each other because each uses different anatomical sites, skin conditions, and measurement techniques. Intraregional differences in TEWL, sebum, and temperatures were observed on the cheeks and appeared to follow characteristic distribution patterns. Higher blood flow levels and skin temperatures were generally observed in areas with dense networks of blood vessels such as the nose and perioral region. Areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin consistently showed higher sebum casual levels, but variability in sebum levels between sites was also observed. The susceptibility of the face to hexyl nicotinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and benzoic acid differed depending on location and age. Conclusion: Establishing a standardized biophysical profile of the human face will help to improve therapeutics, and further our understanding of differences in chemical reactivity and disease distribution. Future research necessitates standardization of the anatomical sites studied, sample size, and experimental protocols.     

Transepidermal water loss, temperature and sebum levels on women's facial skin follow characteristic patterns

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to compare the biophysical properties of different facial zones. Methods: We investigated transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin temperature and sebum casual level (CL) on 90 adjacent test sites distributed on the forehead, cheeks and chin of five women. Results: All three parameters showed a symmetrical distribution around the facial median line. Only minor variations of individual values were found within the forehead and the chin areas. In contrast, the cheeks exhibited a distinct gradient with highest values in the paranasal zones and lowest on the cheek bones for all of the three parameters. The mean values on both cheeks of a given individual were nearly identical, and the patterns within the two cheeks were superimposable. Both CL and skin temperature distributions pointed out a “T‐zone” with highest values on the forehead, on the chin and on the median part of the cheek. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that biophysical skin properties differ considerably between different facial areas but that they follow a characteristic distribution.     

Vacuum and electromagnetic field in synergy for skin rejuvenation: A retrospective study on 217 patients

Background

There are many aesthetic treatments aimed at combating aging. In the most common and frequently used ones there are often side effects, albeit minor ones. However, sometimes it is necessary to use medications before or after treatments.

Objectives

To evaluate the anti-aging efficacy and application safety of a therapy based on the combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the aesthetic effects of the treatment on 217 subjects. Before treatment (T0) and after the last session (T1), skin hydration levels, the amount of sebum present and the pH were measured. The presence of discomfort during the sessions and side effects at T1 was verified. At T1, the levels of satisfaction of the patients and of the doctors who performed the treatment were assessed. At 3 and 6 months of follow-up the aesthetic results were re-evaluated.

Results

For all treated subjects, an evident qualitative improvement was observed in the quality of the skin of the neck and face, with an increase in tone and a reduction in wrinkles. The instrumental tests highlighted a normalization of skin hydration, pH, and sebum values. High levels of satisfaction at T0 and good stability of results up to 6 months of follow-up were reported. No discomfort was referred during the treatment sessions, nor any side effects after the entire treatment.

Conclusions

The treatment that exploits the synergy between vacuum and EMFs is very promising given the effectiveness and safety of the technique.     

Therapeutic efficacy of metronidazole by needle-free jet injection combined with blue light therapy in Moderate-to-Severe facial acne vulgaris

Background

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Some topical treatments for acne used in combination, such as blue light and topical antibiotics (such as metronidazole) by needle-free jet injection (NFJI), are becoming prevalent in clinical practice, but the efficacy remains uncertain.

Methods

In order to investigate the effect of blue light combined with metronidazole by NFJI in the treatment of acne, the 251 enrolled patients were randomly assigned into the blue light group, metronidazole (MNZ) group, and MNZ + blue light group, and then received 6-weeks' treatment. A variety of objective and subjective methods such as clinical pictures, skin barrier physiological parameters (including trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, facail surface sebum, erythema and pigmentation), the Investigator Global Assessment score, acne lesion count assessment, Patients' Self-Assessment, and VAS score were used to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the treatments.

Results

Compared to the baseline, the MNZ + blue light group showed significant improvement in acne lesion count reduction, TEWL, straum corneum hydration, facial surface sebum and erythema (p < 0.05). The MNZ + blue light group showed significant differences compared with the MNZ group and blue light group in terms of acne lesion count reduction and erythema (p < 0.05) Compared to the MNZ group, the MNZ + blue light group demonstrated significant improvement in TEWL and sebum (p < 0.05). While compared to the blue light group, the MNZ + blue light group showed significant improvement in hydration (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in pigmentation (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of MNZ by NFJI and blue light has a synergistic effect and can relieve acne skin lesion within 6 weeks in the treatment of moderate and moderate–to–severe facial acne vulgaris, meanwhile, this method has a good safety.     

Superficial versus deep injections of the upper midface—A prospective interventional split-face study

Background

Various injection algorithms have been proposed in the past which are in line with the three aesthetic principles: upper face first, lateral face first, and deep regions first. However, increasing evidence is provided that the upper midface can be targeted with superficial soft tissue filler injections alone too.

Objective

To investigate in a prospective split-face study design whether superficial or deep upper midfacial injections provide superior aesthetic outcomes.

Methods

A total of n = 20 study participants (100% females; age 43.95 (11.7) years; BMI 22.92 (2.6) kg/m²) were treated with superficial soft tissue filler injections on side of their face and deep injections on the contralateral side with a mean volume of 0.78 cc. Outcome was evaluated at 7 weeks follow-up for midfacial, and lower facial volume, for medial and lateral facial skin vector displacement, and for improvement of nasolabial, crow's feet, and upper cheek fullness severity scores.

Results

No adverse events related to safety or product tolerability were observed during the entire study period. All semiquantitative scores improved statistically significantly after the observational period (p < 0.001) but displayed no difference between the two applied injection techniques (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this split-face study revealed that both the superficial and the deep cannula injection technique for midface volumization statistically significantly improve the midfacial volume, reduce nasolabial fold and crow's feet severity. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two injection techniques when compared via semiquantitative and objective outcome evaluation after 7 weeks follow-up.     

轻中度痤疮患者皮肤生理参数特征

目的 探讨轻中度痤疮患者正常部位皮肤及炎性皮疹部位生理参数的特征。 方法 75例轻中度寻常痤疮受试者。每例受试者选择在48 h内出现,直径在2.0 ~ 5.0 mm之间的炎性皮疹作为靶皮疹。对靶皮疹及临近靶皮疹的正常部位皮肤进行经表皮失水率、表皮含水量及a*值的检测。洁面后即刻皮脂量、洁面后1 h皮脂量、皮脂饱和值在靶皮疹及双眉之间的额部进行检测并计算皮脂分泌速率。结果随着患者面部炎性丘疹数量的增加,痤疮患者正常部位皮肤的经表皮失水率、皮脂分泌速率显著增高（P < 0.05）。随着皮疹a*值的增高,皮疹部位经表皮失水率、皮脂分泌速率显著增高（P < 0.05）。皮疹部位经表皮失水率明显高于正常部位,而皮脂饱和值及皮脂分泌速率均显著低于正常部位（P < 0.05）。结论 痤疮患者炎性丘疹的严重程度与其面部皮肤屏障功能损伤及皮脂分泌速率增高有关。痤疮炎性丘疹部位与正常部位皮肤相比,皮肤屏障功能降低、皮脂分泌速率减小。     

Non-invasive diagnostic evaluation of phototherapeutic effects of red light phototherapy of acne vulgaris

Background: During the past few years, various phototherapeutic protocols with full‐spectrum visible light or selected wavebands have been investigated in the treatment of acne vulgaris with variable results. Methods: Fifteen women suffering from moderate acne vulgaris of the face were exposed to 20 J/cm² of broad‐band red (λ: 600–750 nm) light twice weekly for 4 weeks. In addition, with the aim to improve the present knowledge of the mechanisms of action of phototherapy, we measured skin sebum, pH, hydration and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lesions of the trunk were not irradiated and served as controls. Results: A significant improvement of acne lesions and a significant decrease of skin sebum excretion and TEWL of the face were registered at the end of the therapy and at the 3‐month follow‐up visit. The results could be related to a reduced follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes, in that it was lethally damaged by photoactivated endogenous porphyrins. Conclusion: The present findings seem to indicate that red light phototherapy may represent an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, simple and inexpensive treatment option for moderate acne vulgaris.     

The assessment of the effects of the combination of microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling in the therapy of seborrhoeic skin with visible symptoms of acne punctata

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess objectively the effects of the combination of corundum microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling in the therapy of seborrheic skin with visible symptoms of acne punctata.

Material and methods: The study involved a group of nine women. A series of six treatments with the combination of microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling were performed within facial skin at 10–14 days intervals. Corneometric measurements examining skin hydration level and sebumetric measurements analyzing skin sebum level were made before the series of treatments and after second, fourth and sixth procedure in five facial areas. Clinical assessment of the efficacy of the therapy was performed on the basis of photographic documentation (Fotomedicus). Anonymous questionnaires were used in order to evaluate patients’ satisfaction rate.

Results: Statistically significant improvement in skin sebum level was observed in all examined areas (forehead p = 0.002; nose p = 0.001, chin p = 0.01, left cheek p = 0.009, right cheek p = 0.007). In case of skin hydration, significant improvement was found only in the area of chin (p = 0.03). 78% of participants estimated that the improvement was in the range of 55–70%, while 22% of participants of 75–100%. The reduction in the amount and visibility of comedones and pimples were demonstrated on the basis of questionnaire and photographic documentation.

Conclusions: Combined microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling treatments improve the condition of seborrheic skin.     

Biophysical parameters of skin: map of human face, regional, and age-related differences

The face showed anatomical variation on reaction to chemicals, which could be related to differences in biophysical specificities of the skin. The aim of this study was to establish a map of the face for 6 biophysical parameters.10 young human volunteers (24-34 years) and 10 old volunteers (66-83 years) were studied to prepare a map of the human face based on regional variations and age-related differences by measuring various biophysical parameters. 7 locations on the face, neck, and forearm were investigated. Skin blood flow, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (capacitance), temperature, pH, and sebum content of the skin surface were measured. In both groups, skin blood flow in the nose showed the highest value. Perioral and nasolabial areas showed the highest TEWL values. The neck showed the highest capacitance value. The highest skin temperature was detected in the neck in the young group and in the nasolabial area in the old group. The chin showed the most alkaline pH in both groups. Nasolabial area showed the highest sebum content in the young group, as did the chin in the old group. These baseline values provide a framework to build on for ascertaining disease and intervention-related effects.     

Distribution of skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of adults

Summary The skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of 574 men and women aged 18–95 was measured. No differences were found between men and women regarding forehead and cheek pH distribution. The group over the age of 80 showed higher pH values on both the forehead and the cheek. In 89% of the subjects measured, the skin surface pH on the cheek was higher than that on the forehead. The central 90%, i.e., the representative range, for the population below the age of 80 is between 4.0–5.5 on the forehead and between 4.2–5.9 on the cheek.Originally presented in part during the 6th International Symposium on Bioengineering and Skin 27–28 June, 1986, Liège, Belgium