Skin physiology assessment is moving rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the stratum corneum, e.g. on stratum corneum barrier function as well on stratum corneum hydration. The research with bioengineering methods offers now reliable and reproducible approaches for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as well as in basic research. This cookbook is intended to give basic information regarding skin physiology, the assessment of skin functions in controlled studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments. It provides basic knowledge on how to plan, perform and evaluate scientific studies. The authors are recognized expert in the field and provide comprehensive chapters with specific emphasis on the practical aspects of non-invasive measurements.

Bioengineering of the skin, or more precisely the biophysical assessment of skin physiology, is moving rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes. This second edition of the popular text Bioengineering of the Skin: Water and Stratum Corneum reflects the progress in the field, focusing on the dramatically improved understanding of skin physiology. Specifically, it reviews the shift in our understanding of the stratum corneum from an inert surrounding sheet to a biologically active compartment. The stratum corneum is the interface between the sometimes harsh environment and the internal turmoil of the human body. Based on a large number of recent publications, this book explains the mechanisms involved in stratum corneum barrier function and hydration. It reflects 10 years of progress not only of the non-invasive biophysical assessment of skin physiology parameter, but also of the perfection of the available devices. It brings all research on epidermal water and transepidermal water loss in health and disease up-to-date with the revision of existing chapters as well as added chapters from new contributors on hydration and itching. This edition also includes new guidelines on the standardization of measurements. Bioengineering of the Skin will enhance communication within the research community and will be useful for scientists in the skin bioengineering field by presenting methods that offer reliable and reproducible approaches for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as for basic research.

Skin physiology assessment is moving rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the stratum corneum, e.g. on stratum corneum barrier function as well on stratum corneum hydration. The research with bioengineering methods offers now reliable and reproducible approaches for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as well as in basic research. This cookbook is intended to give basic information regarding skin physiology, the assessment of skin functions in controlled studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments. It provides basic knowledge on how to plan, perform and evaluate scientific studies. The authors are recognized expert in the field and provide comprehensive chapters with specific emphasis on the practical aspects of non-invasive measurements.

Skin physiology assessment is moving from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the stratum corneum, such as epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. New, non-invasive approaches offer reliable and reproducible methods for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, as well as in basic research. While standard instruments focus on functional aspects, innovative devices offer a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms. This book discusses the assessment of skin physiology and of skin functions in clinical studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments, offering readers a comprehensive guide to planning, performing and evaluating the results of scientific studies in skin measurement and the legal framework for these studies. Written by leading experts in the field, it focuses on practical aspects of non-invasive measurements. After introducing the legal aspects of the current framework for clinical cosmetic studies and basic research in cosmetology, it explores the technical practicalities of organizing a testing lab and the pre-requirements for planning a study. The third and main section addresses specific topics in cosmetic testing e.g. skin hydration, and also includes chapters on sensory aspects and in vivo skin structure vizualization. This new, updated edition of Practical Aspects of Cosmetic Testing is a valuable tool for researchers, students, and medical staff wanting to gain insights into how best to assess skin functions in controlled studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments.