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.