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Physiological changes in skin barrier function in relation to occlusion level, exposure time and climatic conditions
P Schäfer1, C Bewick-Sonntag, M G Capri
1Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Schwalbach, Germany. schaefer.p.2@pg.com
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology
|January 23, 2002
Summary
Vapor-permeable feminine hygiene articles reduce skin overhydration compared to vapor-impermeable ones. Skin hydration, water loss, and microclimate humidity are affected by article type, exposure time, and climate conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Material Science
Background:
- Skin occlusion from everyday articles can alter skin barrier physiology.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective hygiene products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of vapor-permeable versus vapor-impermeable feminine hygiene articles on skin hydration.
- To assess the influence of exposure time and environmental conditions on skin barrier function under occlusion.
Main Methods:
- A forearm model was used with volunteers wearing moistened vapor-permeable and -impermeable articles.
- Measurements included skin hydration, skin surface water loss (SSWL), and microclimate relative humidity (RH(mc)).
- Tests were conducted over 1, 3, and 6 hours under varying temperature and humidity conditions.
Main Results:
- Vapor-permeable articles showed reduced skin hydration, SSWL, and RH(mc) compared to vapor-impermeable ones.
- Increasing exposure time decreased SSWL and RH(mc), with skin hydration reduction occurring after 3 hours.
- Environmental conditions modulated these effects, with higher temperature/humidity increasing RH(mc) and skin hydration.
Conclusions:
- Vapor-permeability is the primary factor influencing skin barrier changes under occlusion.
- Exposure time and climate conditions act as modulators of these physiological effects.
- Vapor-permeable hygiene articles offer additional benefits in preventing skin overhydration.