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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

In Vitro Method to Study Sex-Based Differences in Conjunctival Goblet Cells
Published on: July 28, 2023
Gender-related differences in the physiology of the stratum corneum
Ute Jacobi1, Julien Gautier, Wolfram Sterry
1Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Charité, Berlin, Germany. ute.jacobi@charite.de
Background:
Only few studies on gender-related differences in skin physiology have been performed--and they provided conflicting results.
Objective:
In the present study, the effect of gender on the physiology of the stratum corneum was studied.
Methods:
The physiological parameters transepidermal water loss, pH value, hydration and sebum content were determined on the flexor forearms of 6 female and 6 male volunteers. In addition, stratum corneum samples, removed by tape stripping, were studied for amount, spectroscopic properties, protein content, and mass.
Results:
The skin of women was characterized by a significantly higher pH value (5.6 +/- 0.4) than that of men (4.3 +/- 0.4, p < 0.05). Protein absorption was the only other parameter significantly dependent on gender (p < 0.05). Both effects might be caused by differences in human biology, such as hormonal status.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the gender of the volunteers should be considered in dermatologic studies.
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