Background: The aim of this study was to develop a method for the evaluation of subtle change in skin roughness caused by cleansing products under mild application conditions using a non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) analysis system.
Methods: A double-blind comparative study of the modified soap chamber test was performed using two soap bars and a syndet bar. Skin changes were evaluated by visual scoring [mean cumulative irritation index (MCII)] and by bioengineering measurements [transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and skin surface roughness].
Results: MCII of the syndet bar was statistically higher than that of one soap bar, and TEWL increase after application of the syndet bar was statistically higher than that of both soap bars. Skin capacitance decreased significantly only after application of the syndet bar. The change in the average roughness of the skin surface was significantly greater after the application of the syndet bar than with classic soap bars.
Conclusion: A simple, fast, and objective evaluation of skin surface topography was performed using a modified soap chamber test and a non-invasive 3D analysis system. The results suggest that measurement of skin roughness using a non-invasive 3D analysis system might be a good method for the evaluation of a subtle change caused by cleansing products under mild application conditions.
Keywords: cleansing products; skin irritation; skin roughness; skin surface topography.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.