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Skin Barrier Function Assessment: Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Is Less Influenced by Daily Routine Activities
Lisa Huygen1,2, Pauline Marie Thys1, Andreas Wollenberg3,4,5
1Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Skin Immunology & Immune Tolerance (SKIN) Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.
Annals of Dermatology
|April 5, 2024
Summary
Daily activities like applying cream or washing skin impact skin barrier measurements. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows fewer changes from daily routines than transepidermal water loss (TEWL), making it a promising assessment tool.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biophysics
- Skin Physiology
Background:
- Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a standard method for assessing skin barrier function.
- TEWL measurements are significantly influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
- Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an emerging technique for skin barrier assessment with less defined influencing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of common daily activities on TEWL and EIS measurements.
- To determine the correlation between TEWL/EIS values and participant age and anatomical site.
- To compare the sensitivity of TEWL and EIS to daily routine influences.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one healthy participants were grouped by age (18-29, 30-49, ≥50 years).
- Measurements of TEWL and EIS were conducted on the volar forearm and abdomen in a controlled environment.
- The effects of body cream, skin washing, exercise, and coffee intake on measurements were assessed.
Main Results:
- Body cream reduced TEWL and EIS for up to 90 minutes; skin washing affected TEWL for 15 minutes and EIS for at least 90 minutes.
- Moderate to intense exercise increased TEWL within 5 minutes, and coffee intake elevated abdominal TEWL after 60 minutes.
- No significant correlations were found between TEWL/EIS values, age, or anatomical location. TEWL and EIS showed no correlation with each other.
Conclusions:
- Avoid body cream and skin washing for at least 90 minutes before TEWL and EIS measurements.
- Refrain from exercise and coffee consumption before TEWL measurements.
- EIS appears more robust than TEWL against daily activity interferences, suggesting its potential as a reliable skin barrier assessment tool.
