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Trend of changes in epidermal biophysical properties in the Chinese aged 1 month to 17-year old

Li Ye1, Qingsong Lai2, Xiaohua Wang1

  • 1Center for Research in Skin Physiology and Development of Skin Care Products, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Skin Research and Technology : Official Journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [And] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [And] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)
|March 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Skin barrier function in children changes significantly from infancy to adolescence. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration decrease, while skin surface pH increases, with variations by age, gender, and body site.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatric Research
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Epidermal biophysical properties are known to vary with age and gender.
  • Changes in epidermal biophysical properties from infancy to adolescence remain largely uncharacterized.
  • This study investigates longitudinal changes in Chinese children's skin barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess age- and gender-related trends in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, and skin surface pH in Chinese children.
  • To elucidate the developmental trajectory of key epidermal biophysical parameters from infancy through adolescence.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 780 boys and 610 girls aged 1 month to 17 years was studied.
  • Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were measured using GPSkin Barrier on the forearm and shin.
  • Skin surface pH was measured using a portable skin pH meter.

Main Results:

  • Overall, TEWL and stratum corneum hydration decreased, while skin surface pH increased with age in Chinese children.
  • Significant TEWL decline was noted in girls (forearm and shin) and boys (shin, 13-17 years).
  • Stratum corneum hydration declined markedly from 6-12 years; skin surface pH decreased in infants (1-12 months) then stabilized or slightly increased.

Conclusions:

  • Epidermal biophysical properties, including TEWL, hydration, and pH, undergo significant age-dependent changes in children.
  • These developmental trends in skin barrier function exhibit variability based on gender and anatomical site.
  • Understanding these changes is crucial for pediatric dermatology and skincare.
Abstract

Keywords:
agechildrenepidermal permeability barrierhydrationpH

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