Impact of Age and Body Site on Adult Female Skin Surface pH
Abstract
<b><i>Background:</i></b> pH is known as an important parameter in epidermal barrier function and homeostasis. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The impact of age and body site on skin surface pH (pH<sub>SS</sub>) of women was evaluated in vivo. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Time domain dual lifetime referencing with luminescent sensor foils was used for pH<sub>SS</sub> measurements. pH<sub>SS</sub> 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. <b><i>Results:</i></b> pH<sub>SS</sub> slightly increases with age on all three investigated body sites. There are no significant differences in pH<sub>SS</sub> between the three investigated body sites. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Adult pH<sub>SS</sub> on the forehead, the temple and the volar forearm increases slightly with age. This knowledge is crucial for adapting medical skin care products.