Biophysical assessment of skin desquamation and scaliness using tape strips and adhesive discs

Abstract

An essential part of normal epidermal physiology is skin desquamation, the loss of single corneocytes and fine flakes at the stratum corneum (SC) surface, also called desquamatio insensibilis. Dry skin conditions – characterized by a brittle, flaky, and even fissured appearance of the upper layers – are linked to abnormal corneocytes cohesion and skin desquamation. Also a decrease in skin moisturization is observed. Different technologies to determine skin desquamation exist. They can be used to assess skin scaliness and represent an interesting tool for claim substantiation of cosmetic products in relation to dry skin. The scope of this chapter is to focus on the description of Corneofix® strips and D-SQUAME® discs, both adhesive tape materials that are applicable in tape-stripping protocols and for the characterization of SC desquamation and the extent of scaliness. A better understanding of these SC parameters offers opportunities for innovative product development for preventing and elevating dry, scaly skin conditions.