Evaluation of changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of extremely low temperature

The aim of the work was to evaluate changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of low temperature. The tests were conducted on a group of 20 women using whole-body cryotherapy. The average age of participants was 58.7 ± 7.54 years; the average body weight 77.84 ± 16.01 kg, the mean BMI 30.14 ± 5.81, and the average body height 160.7 ± 6.48 cm. The tested parameters included hydration, lubrication, temperature, and pH of the skin. The skin measurements were made on the first and tenth treatment days, before and after leaving the whole-body cryo-chamber. To assess the data collected before and after the experiment, the measurement taken at each time point were compared. After a series of ten treatment sessions, the greatest decrease was observed in skin hydration and skin temperature. No significant differences were noted for lubrication and skin pH. The analysis showed statistically significant differences in skin parameters between all measurement locations; the upper and lower limbs responded more significantly to cold than other parts of the body. It was also found that the facial skin was more lubricated and hydrated compared to other measuring locations. We conclude that varies skin parts respond differently to low temperature. Cryotherapy causes a significant decrease in temperature and hydration of the skin whereas differences in pH and lubrication of the skin remain insignificant.