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. 2024 Mar 27;14(1):7238.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-57967-2.

Effects of psychological stress on the emission of volatile organic compounds from the skin

Géraldine Lucchi  1   2 , Marine Crépin  3   4 , Stéphanie Chambaron  3 , Caroline Peltier  3   4 , Laura Gilbert  5 , Christelle Guéré  5 , Katell Vié  5
Affiliations

Effects of psychological stress on the emission of volatile organic compounds from the skin

Géraldine Lucchi et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Thirty-five women were included in a clinical study to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the skin during exposure to psychological stress. An original silicon-based polymeric phase was used for VOC sampling on the forehead before and after stress induction. Cognitive stress was induced using specialized software that included a chronometer for semantic and arithmetic tasks. Assessment of stress was monitored using a State-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire, analysis of participants' verbal expressions and clinical measurements. Identification and relative quantification of VOCs were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Stress induction was validated by a significant increase in state-anxiety as indicated by the questionnaire, modifications in electrodermal activity measurements and the expression of stress verbatims. In parallel, a sebum production increase and a skin pH decrease were observed. A total of 198 VOCs with different potential sources were identified. They were categorized in 5 groups: probable cosmetic composition, VOCs produced by the body or its microbiota, environmental origin, and dietary intake. In our qualitative statistical approach, three VOCs were found to be correlated with stress induction and 14 compounds showed significance in the paired Wilcoxon test. Fatty-acyls derived from lipids were predominantly identified as well as ethylbenzenes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Procedure VOCs collection on volunteers: steps, measurements and time delay.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Self-reported mood and cognitive state of participants expressed at the end of the visit, in response to the open question “How did you feel during the tasks?”.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Measurements of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) (a), sebum quantity (b) and pH (c) before and after stress phase. The significance level was α = 0.05. The normality of the data was assessed using a Shapiro–Wilk test. NS not significant; ***if p < 0.001; *if p < 0.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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