Analysis of Circadian and Ultradian Rhythms of Skin Surface Properties of Face and Forearm of Healthy Women

Abstract

Biologic rhythms of cells and organisms are well documented and have been extensively studied at the physiologic and molecular levels. For the skin, many circadian changes have been investigated but few systematic studies comparing skin at different body sites have been reported. In this study we investigated facial and forearm skin circadian rhythms in eight healthy Caucasian women. Noninvasive methods were used to assess skin capacitance, sebum excretion, skin temperature, transepidermal water loss, and skin surface pH on fixed sites of the face and the volar forearm during a 48 h span under standardized environmental conditions. Using the cosinor or ANOVA methods, circadian rhythms could be detected for sebum excretion (face), transepidermal water loss (face and forearm), skin temperature (forearm), pH (face), and capacitance (forearm). No circadian rhythmicity was found for the other biophysical parameters. In addition to the 24 h rhythm component, rhythms with periods of 8 h were found for sebum excretion, of 8 and 12 h for transepidermal water loss (face and forearm), and of 12 h for skin temperature (forearm). Our study confirms that rhythms of skin surface parameters are readily measurable and that these rhythms differ between different sites. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that, for transepidermal water loss (face and forearm), sebum excretion, and skin temperature (forearm), in addition to circadian rhythms, ultradian and/or component rhythms can be detected.

Daytime changes of skin biophysical characteristics: A study of hydration, transepidermal water loss, ph, sebum, elasticity, erythema, and color index on middle eastern skin

“…Measurements in female participants were performed in their luteal phase of menstrual cycle (28 ± 2 day cycles). [6]…”

“…Hot beverages and spicy foods were not allowed during study time. [6] Participants were asked not to perform a strenuous exercise during the study day. Standardized meals were served at fixed hours.…”

“…conducted a controlled study on healthy women and reported that skin temperature, sebum production, pH, skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) varied during the day. [6] Yosipovitch et al . also showed a significant daily variation in skin temperature and TEWL and demonstrated the correlation of detected changes, with the variations in skin blood flow.…”

In Locus Minoris Resistentiae—Or Not?

“…Zanello et al (2000) showed that two circadian rhythm clocks (clock and period 1) are expressed in human keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts and concluded that circadian mechanisms in skin could influence local responses to radiant energy in cutaneous tissue. LeFur et al (2001) verified circadian rhythms in face and/or forearm skin for multiple properties including sebum excretion, transepidermal water loss, skin temperature and capacitance. They concluded that rhythms of skin surface parameters are detectable and that they vary at different anatomic sites.…”

Eradication of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and MRSA in the Nares: A Historical Perspective of the Ecological Niche, with Suggestions for Future Therapy Considerations

“…Also, gently massage into the vellus hair follicles and sebaceous gland on the outside of the Vestibulum nasi [95]- [105].…”