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Reduced barrier efficiency in axillary stratum corneum
A Watkinson1, R S Lee, A E Moore
1Unilever R&D, Colworth Hse, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, UK. Allan.Watkinson@Unilever.com
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
|May 24, 2008
Summary
Axillary skin has a naturally reduced barrier function due to higher levels of ceramides and cholesterol. Antiperspirant use does not further impair this skin barrier.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Skin Physiology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Axillary skin's cosmetic importance is high, with widespread antiperspirant (AP) use.
- Little is known about axillary skin composition and the impact of AP products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the axillary stratum corneum and its barrier properties.
- To compare axillary skin with other body sites.
- To investigate the effect of AP use on axillary skin.
Main Methods:
- Corneosurfametry (CSM) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.
- High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for lipid analysis.
- Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) with cyanoacrylate sampling.
Main Results:
- Axillary skin exhibits reduced barrier function compared to other sites.
- Elevated levels of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol were found in the axillary stratum corneum.
- Increased cholesterol contributes to more ordered lipid lamellae, potentially increasing water flux.
Conclusions:
- Axillary skin possesses a physiologically reduced barrier function.
- Lipid composition, particularly high cholesterol, influences axillary skin barrier properties.
- Antiperspirant application did not alter the axillary skin barrier.
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