Correlation of non‐invasive psycho‐physiological and skin‐physiological measures

Abstract

IntroductionPsychological stress alters epidermal barrier function. While intensive studies on the underlying mechanism have been performed in mice, human studies are limited. Non‐invasive skin‐physiology measures have not yet been directly linked to non‐invasive psycho‐physiological assessments.MethodsStandard measures of (I) transepidermal water loss prior to and after experimental barrier perturbation via tape stripping, (II) skin surface pH, (III) electrodermal activity, and (IV) heart rate function were taken over a 24 h time period. To document perceived stress, a standardized stress self‐assessment questionnaire, namely the Trierer Inventar zum chronischen Stress (TICS), was utilized.ResultsTwenty healthy, Caucasian (Fitzpatrick skin phototype I‐II), female volunteers (21–32 years, mean age 27, SD = 3.67 years) were included in this study (random sample). Significant correlations were shown for 24 h delta transepidermal water loss changes, that is, barrier repair kinetics (sympathetic activity) and heart rate variability (parasympathetic activity). Further correlations were noted for electrodermal activity and skin surface pH. Perceived stress, as documented by the TICS questionnaire, did not correlate with psycho‐ and skin physiological parameters, respectively.ConclusionThe presented approaches may provide a basis for non‐invasive objective research on the correlation between psychological stressors and epidermal barrier function.