Open AccessAssessment of spray application of Saint GERVAIS® water effects on skin wettability by contact angle measurement comparison with bidistilled water
Author(s) -
Elkhyat Ahmed,
CourderotMasuyer Carol,
MacMary Sophie,
Courau Stéphanie,
Gharbi Tijani,
Humbert Philippe
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2004.00084.x
Subject(s) - stratum corneum , contact angle , wetting , transepidermal water loss , chemistry , moisture , dry skin , drop (telecommunication) , materials science , dermatology , composite material , organic chemistry , medicine , telecommunications , pathology , computer science
Background: The skin is responsible for protecting the body from physical, chemical and microbial injuries. The stratum corneum is the top layer of the epidermis and it plays a key role in helping to contain moisture. When the skin becomes damaged, its ability to perform these functions is compromised. Dry skin is a common form of skin damage. Contact angle θ between a surface and water is a good indicator of hydrophobic or hydrophilic tendency of surfaces. Objective: To quantify the influence of spray application of an isotonic mineral water (Saint GERVAIS® water) on the hydrophobic tendency of dry skin and to compare spreading of both types of water on the skin through θ measurement of each water drop on the skin before and after mineral spray application. Materials and Methods: Contact angles θ between skin surface and the two types of water (bidistilled and mineral water) were measured before and after application of mineral water by a system allowing the measurement of θ in vivo and in vitro . The cutaneous hydration, the temperature and pH were also measured before and after mineral water application. Results: As for the application of mineral water, the cutaneous pH significantly increased so the strong skin acidity decreased. The cutaneous temperature was modified (a decrease of 2°C was noted) and the cutaneous hydration was also increased (+47 AU). The hydrophobic tendency of the dry skin tested in this study was strongly decreased after mineral water application. This parameter was illustrated by a decrease of contact angle θ value. Conclusion: Saint GERVAIS® water application allowed a regulation of skin pH, a fresh sensation on the skin and an increase in the cutaneous hydration. Moreover, the contact angle measurement with bidistilled water illustrated the increased wettability of the skin.