Cutaneous Hormone Sampling and Analysis for Dermatologic Research

The skin can generate hormones through de novo steroid hormone synthesis. These hormones have been shown to play a significant role in inflammatory skin conditions through the regulation of skin immunity, sebum production, and skin barrier function. Although there is growing interest in understanding the composition and function of skin hormones throughout the human lifespan and in various pathologies, there remains a need to standardize sampling and quantification methods. In this article, we discuss an emerging noninvasive approach in skin hormone quantification through adhesive sebum collection tape followed by analysis through mass spectrometry or hormone-specific immunoassays. This approach is highly adaptable, allowing for repetitive sampling over time and across diverse study populations.