Open AccessStratum corneum evaluation methods: overview
Author(s) -
Myer Kaley,
Maibach Howard
Publication year - 2013
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/srt.12011
Subject(s) - stratum corneum , corneocyte , stratum , computer science , stripping (fiber) , biomedical engineering , materials science , medicine , pathology , biology , paleontology , composite material
Background/purpose The stratum corneum serves as a main barrier for the skin, minimizing water loss and regulating absorption of substances. Because of its surface location, it is readily available for analysis. Consequently, many techniques are amenable to investigating its content and function. Here, we review the methods employed to evaluate the stratum corneum and its function. Methods We reviewed Pubmed and Embase search results for ‘stratum corneum, ‘method,’ methods,’ ‘technique,’ and ‘evaluation’ and extracted pertinent articles that discussed ways to examine the stratum corneum and its constituents. Results Traditional and novel methods vary by accuracy, ease of use, time requirements, cost, invasiveness, and equipment requirements. Conclusion The methods reviewed all contribute to our current picture of the stratum corneum. Tape stripping continues to be the most widely used, but variations in the use of the corneocytes obtained further contribute to the diversity in evaluation methods.