Assessment of 'dry skin': Current bioengineering methods and test designs

Dry skin is a frequent problem in dermatology and a sign of dysfunction of the epidermis, especially of the stratum corneum as the morphological equiv alent of the skin barrier. It may occur as an individual disposition or as the leading symptom of atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. Besides the visual examination of the skin, various bioengineering methods have been developed to assess the different pathological and adaptive changes in the skin. In addition to the assessment of skin humidity, barrier function and desquamat ion, the quantification of skin surface topography and the mechanical prope rties of skin are suitable methods to characterize a dry skin condition. Fo r clinical assessment of moisturizing products and emollients the parameter s of investigation have to be defined and integrated in an adapted study de sign depending on the composition and content of the active agent in the te st product. Newly developed cosmetic products have to be investigated for s afety and efficacy. Modern bioengineering methods are suitable to fulfill t hese challenges. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.