Impact of age and body site on adult female skin surface pH

Abstract

Background: pH is known as an important parameter in epidermal barrier function and homeostasis. Aim: The impact of age and body site on skin surface pH (pH SS) of women was evaluated in vivo. Methods: Time domain dual lifetime referencing with luminescent sensor foils was used for pH SS measurements. pH SS was measured on the forehead, the temple, and the volar forearm of adult females (n = 97, 52.87 ± 18.58 years, 20-97 years). Every single measurement contained 2,500 pH values due to the luminescence imaging technique used. Results: pH SS slightly increases with age on all three investigated body sites. There are no significant differences in pH SS between the three investigated body sites. Conclusion: Adult pH SS on the forehead, the temple and the volar forearm increases slightly with age. This knowledge is crucial for adapting medical skin care products. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.