In vivo stratum corneum over-hydration and water diffusion coefficient measurements using opto-thermal radiometry and TEWL Instruments.

P Xiao, W Wong, A M Cottenden, R E Imhof

Photophysics Research Centre, London South Bank University, London, UK. xiaop@lsbu.ac.uk

International journal of cosmetic science 2012 Aug

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Skin over-hydration is a common problem that affects many people who wear incontinence pads or diapers. The aim of this study is to develop a new method for stratum corneum (SC) over-hydration and SC water diffusion coefficient measurements using opto-thermal transient emission radiometry (OTTER) and evaporimetry. With OTTER, we can measure the SC surface hydration and hydration gradient. With evaporimetry, we can measure the time-dependent evaporative drying curves of water vapour flux density (WVFD). The combination of hydration results and WVFD results can yield information on the SC water diffusion coefficient and how it depends on the SC surface hydration level. The results show that SC water diffusion coefficient is non-linearly proportional to the SC surface hydration level. The results also show strong correlations between evaporative drying flux measured using the Evaporimeter and surface hydration estimated from OTTER measurements. © 2012 The Authors. ICS © 2012 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Citation

P Xiao, W Wong, A M Cottenden, R E Imhof. In vivo stratum corneum over-hydration and water diffusion coefficient measurements using opto-thermal radiometry and TEWL Instruments. International journal of cosmetic science. 2012 Aug;34(4):328-31