Academic literature on the topic 'Aloe Vera; Skin; Stratum corneum (SC) water content and Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)'

Three studies were conducted with three new dexpanthenol-containing emollients containing increasing lipid contents (Emollients 1–3) to assess their performances in healthy adults with dry skin. All three studies (N = 42 each) followed virtually the same design. A single skin application of the study product was performed followed by once-daily usage. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin biomechanical properties, and lipid content of the stratum corneum (SC) were regularly assessed over the 28-day study period; a subset (N = 22) underwent a sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) challenge prior to product application. All three emollients were well tolerated and showed good performances with only minor differences in instrumental measurements. After single and prolonged once-daily applications of Emollients 1–3 to dry skin and dry SLS-damaged skin, skin hydration significantly increased from baseline (BL) (by 38.1–72.4% in unchallenged skin, p < 0.001 for all three). This was paralleled by significant increases in skin elasticity parameters. Usage of Emollients 1 and 3 caused increases from BL in SC cholesterol (by 9.8–12.5%, p < 0.05 for both) and SC free fatty acid levels (by 3.7–26.3%, p < 0.05 for both) at the end of the study. No sustained effects on TEWL were recorded. Our findings support the once-daily use of all three emollients in adults with dry skin.

The skin serves protective roles for internal organs and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis between the body and the environment. The outermost and most exposed part of the skin to environmental factors is the stratum corneum (SC). SC hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values provide information about the physiological state of the skin. Plant oils, owing to their chemical structure, possess moisturizing and protective functions. This study assessed the impact of a single application of drying oil (Rubus idaeus seed oil), semi-drying oil (Sesamum indicum seed oil), and nondrying oil (Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil) on specific skin characteristics in young, healthy women. Thirty-five female volunteers (age: 20.03 ± 1.69) participated in the study. Before commencing the investigation, a questionnaire survey on the subjective assessment of skin condition and a body composition test were conducted. Subsequently, each participant had three oils applied to nonoverlapping skin areas on the forearms. Skin characteristics were assessed before and 1 h after the oil application using specialized probes: a corneometer and a tewameter. An enhancement in skin hydration was evident after the application of each of the tested oils (p = 0.001). Raspberry oil demonstrated the most significant moisturizing effect, while coconut oil showed the weakest impact. Only raspberry seed oil (p = 0.012) resulted in a noteworthy decrease in TEWL. The initial skin condition did not correlate with the subjects’ body composition, and the improvement induced by the application of the oils was not dependent on body weight, body water content, or BMI (body mass index). The applied vegetable oils positively influence the level of SC hydration. Improvement in barrier function, as measured by TEWL, was observed only for raspberry seed oil.

Skin hydration has an important role in various diseases of the elderly. Skin hydration is determined by two factors, namely the ability of the stratum corneum (SC) to retain water due to natural moisturizing factors and the barrier function of the intercellular lipid lamellar structure and tight junctions. Several parameters are usually used for skin hydration, such as surface water content (SWC) and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). With age, several changes in the skin affect hydration, including changes in the cellular and intercellular lipid matrix, skin pH, SC protease enzymes, decreased sebaceous and sweat gland activity, and decreased estrogen levels in women. Therefore, a moisturizer is needed to minimize the unwanted effects of some of these changes. Selection of the type of moisturizer is very important for the elderly, especially moisturizers with antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects are highly recommended. The ability of essential oils as components of moisturizers has been proven in various studies. Essential oils can improve the function of the epidermal barrier and help prevent transepidermal water loss. Therefore, this literature review discusses the role of various essential oils, namely green tea oils (Camellia sinensis or Camellia assamica), virgin coconut oils (Cocos nucifera L.), evening primrose oils (Oenothera paradoxa), grape seed oils (Vitis vinifera L.) .), rosemary oils (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), immortelle oils (Helichrysum italicum), and cannabis seeds oils (Cannabis sativa L.) on improving skin hydration in the elderly.

Predictors of Changes in Physical Properties of Skin in Patients with Diabetes MellitusIntroduction: The skin, the largest human organ, is often affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). We know that DM affects the hydration of stratum corneum (SC), the sebum content of the skin and to some extent, the barrier function of the epidermis and elasticity, but we do not know the factors leading to these changes. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the factors associated with changes in physical properties of the skin (skin hydration degree, sebumetry, transepidermal water loss and skin elasticity) in patients with diabetes. Materials and methods: The physical properties of the skin were assessed using the Multi Probe Adapter Systems MPA ® (Courage-Khazaka, Germany) in 57 patients with diabetes and 46 non-diabetic. Results: Statistical analysis of the entire group of 103 subjects showed a significant association between female gender and decreased SC hydration (p<0.05 in all cases), decreased values of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (β=-0.282, p=0.006) and decreased elasticity of the skin in forearm (β=-0.216, p=0.043). Also, the presence of DM was negatively associated with levels of SC hydration measured on the forearm (β=-0.281, p=0.005). Furthermore, in patients with diabetes, the presence of diabetic neuropathy (DNP) was negatively associated with the hydration of SC measured at all levels (forearm: β=-0.465, p<0.001; leg: β=-0.590, p<0.001; tight: β=-0.198, p<0.001). The observed relationship was independent of age and sex of the participants (p<0.05 after adjustment for age and sex). Regarding skin elasticity, increasing age was associated with lower levels of skin elasticity both in entire group and in patients with DM, at all sites of measurements (p<0.05 in all cases). Additionally, in patients with diabetes, elasticity of the skin measured at forearm and tight was negativelly associated with type of DM (forearm: β=-0.335, p=0.023; tight: β=-0.522, p<0.001). In our study, nor diabetes neither DNP were not associated with TEWL values. Conclusions: The presence of DNP seems to be the main predictor of decreased SC hydration in all measuring points and skin elasticity is significantly associated with age. There are some gender-related modification in physical properties of the skin. Surprisingly, type 2 DM was associated with reduced elasticity in the thigh, and this association was independent of age and sex.