03.24.23
A group of researchers from Japan says they have developed a new model for the estimation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) without the need for a tightly controlled environment. The method uses two measures for estimating TEWL—the thickness of the stratum corneum and the water content of the surface of the stratum corneum.
In their recent study, published in Advanced Biomedical Engineering, the researchers demonstrated that their new model could accurately estimate TEWL. They verified these estimated values against measured TEWL, according to the report.
The researchers are Osamu Uehara (Alcare Co., Ltd.), and Toshimasa Kusuhara, and Takao Nakamura from Okayama University.
Scientists from Japan have developed a new model for measuring the skin’s protective capacity. The model estimates the transepidermal water loss as a measure of the skin protective function.
Prof. Nakamura is a professor at the Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, at Okayama University in Japan, where he leads the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory.
To measure the thickness and water content of the stratum corneum, researchers used the confocal laser microscopy and confocal Raman spectroscopy techniques, respectively, where a probe is pressed against the skin to obtain microscopic images of the skin surface. This imaging data can be used to calculate measures related to water evaporation from the skin surface, which can be fed into the mathematical model devised by the researchers to provide an estimate of the TEWL, ultimately indicating the protective ability of the skin. The new model has several advantages. For instance, it can help uncover the reasons underlying changes in TEWL, according to the authors.
“It may be possible to estimate whether the change in TEWL is a change in thickness of the stratum corneum or a change in water content of the surface of the stratum corneum,” noted Uehara.
Further, another advantage is that since the model does not operate in an artificial environment, it provides a more realistic picture of water loss from the skin. Efficient ways to measure skin barrier function can help in developing better skin care products and help people make more informed choices about the products they use.
“In daily skin care, people will be able to choose products that match their skin conditions, such as the thickness of the stratum corneum and the water content of the surface of the stratum corneum. In addition, they will have a better idea of the optimum amount of product to be used,” noted Kusuhara.
In their recent study, published in Advanced Biomedical Engineering, the researchers demonstrated that their new model could accurately estimate TEWL. They verified these estimated values against measured TEWL, according to the report.
The researchers are Osamu Uehara (Alcare Co., Ltd.), and Toshimasa Kusuhara, and Takao Nakamura from Okayama University.
Scientists from Japan have developed a new model for measuring the skin’s protective capacity. The model estimates the transepidermal water loss as a measure of the skin protective function.
To measure the thickness and water content of the stratum corneum, researchers used the confocal laser microscopy and confocal Raman spectroscopy techniques, respectively, where a probe is pressed against the skin to obtain microscopic images of the skin surface. This imaging data can be used to calculate measures related to water evaporation from the skin surface, which can be fed into the mathematical model devised by the researchers to provide an estimate of the TEWL, ultimately indicating the protective ability of the skin. The new model has several advantages. For instance, it can help uncover the reasons underlying changes in TEWL, according to the authors.
“It may be possible to estimate whether the change in TEWL is a change in thickness of the stratum corneum or a change in water content of the surface of the stratum corneum,” noted Uehara.
Further, another advantage is that since the model does not operate in an artificial environment, it provides a more realistic picture of water loss from the skin. Efficient ways to measure skin barrier function can help in developing better skin care products and help people make more informed choices about the products they use.
“In daily skin care, people will be able to choose products that match their skin conditions, such as the thickness of the stratum corneum and the water content of the surface of the stratum corneum. In addition, they will have a better idea of the optimum amount of product to be used,” noted Kusuhara.
