Moisture loss

Anti-Pollution Matrix > Damage > Clinical > Moisture loss

Explanation

A healthy skin is characterized by the fact that it is sufficiently supplied with moisture [1]. If the hydro-lipid layer is disturbed or weakened by pollution-induced processes, the skin can lose moisture. Due to a loss of moisture, the skin loses its protective function as well as its elasticity and suppleness [2].

 

Effects on the skin

Due to a damaged skin barrier, the moisture regulation of the skin is impaired; the TEWL is increased. The consequence of the lack of water is skin dryness, which, depending on its severity, is susceptible to pathogens, chemical or physical stimuli, among other things. Possible symptoms include the skin being rough, itchy, taut, red and scaly [2]. Inflammations may develop.

 

Measures

Excessive sun exposure should be avoided to counteract dehydration, which can damage the skin barrier. Spending time outside should be adjusted when airborne pollutant concentrations are excessive to minimize skin exposure.

Moisturizing creams and lotions can be applied to the skin to keep the protective skin barrier intact.

 

Impact detection methods

• TEWL
• Corneometry

For closer examination of the lipid barrier, the Lipbarvis® method (Lipid Barrier Visualization, LBV) can be used. This technique allows visualization of the epidermal lipid barrier. Using minimally invasive skin tearing (tape stripping), the barrier integrity in the stratum corneum is determined directly. The method is very sensitive and often already shows results when these cannot yet be shown by TEWL and corneometry or only a small subject pool (n = 10) is available [3].

 

References

[1] Z. Draelos, (2018) The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. J Cosmet Dermatol 17(2):138-144, DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12490
[2] Q. Zhang, M. Murawsky, T. LaCount, G.B. Kasting, S.K. Li, Transepidermal water loss and skin conductance as barrier integrity tests, Toxicol in Vitro, 51 (2018) 129-135, DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.04.009
[3] D.Dähnhardt, C.Surber, S.Dähnhardt-Pfeiffer (2018) "Influence of Topical Formulations: Lipid Lamella Organization and Lipid Composition of Stratum Corneum as a Surrogate Marker for Barrier Integrity. Surber C, Abels C, Maibach H (eds): pH of the skin: Issues and Challenges. Curr Probl Dermatol. Basel, Karger, 2018 vol 54, pp 166-172. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000489530