Cutaneous homeostasis and epidermal barrier function in a young healthy Caucasian population

BACKGROUND: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin surface pH are indicators of skin barrier integrity. There is scant evidence on normative data for cutaneous homeostasis parameters in healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: To develop normative data for skin erythema, melanin, pH, SCH, and TEWL; identify differences in these variables among different anatomical locations; and explore factors that may modify these values. MATERIAL & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 87 healthy volunteers (34 males) aged 20 to 40 years. TEWL, SCH, pH, erythema, and melanin were measured on the cheeks, volar forearms, and palms. RESULTS: for TEWL on the forearm for each one-year increase in age. CONCLUSION: We provide normative data for individuals aged 20-40 years, across three anatomical locations, and propose a predictive model for TEWL on the cheek and forearm as a function of age and SCH.