Background/aims: Skin occlusion may increase percutaneous absorption of applied chemicals, with some exceptions. It also obstructs the normal ventilation of the skin surface and increases stratum corneum hydration and hence compromises skin barrier function.
Methods/results: This review focuses the effects of occlusion on skin barrier function, in particularly, as defined with objective skin bioengineering technology.
Conclusions: The effects of occlusion on skin barrier function have been defined with various techniques. Optimal hydrocolloid materials can absorb excess water and reduce the unfavourable effects of occlusion.