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. 2024 Jun;30(6):e13745.
doi: 10.1111/srt.13745.

Correlation of non-invasive psycho-physiological and skin-physiological measures

Nanna Y Schürer  1 , Cara Symanzik  1   2 , Olga Kukshausen  1 , Ralf Stürmer  3
Affiliations

Correlation of non-invasive psycho-physiological and skin-physiological measures

Nanna Y Schürer et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological stress alters epidermal barrier function. While intensive studies on the underlying mechanism have been performed in mice, human studies are limited. Non-invasive skin-physiology measures have not yet been directly linked to non-invasive psycho-physiological assessments.

Methods: Standard measures of (I) transepidermal water loss prior to and after experimental barrier perturbation via tape stripping, (II) skin surface pH, (III) electrodermal activity, and (IV) heart rate function were taken over a 24 h time period. To document perceived stress, a standardized stress self-assessment questionnaire, namely the Trierer Inventar zum chronischen Stress (TICS), was utilized.

Results: Twenty healthy, Caucasian (Fitzpatrick skin phototype I-II), female volunteers (21-32 years, mean age 27, SD = 3.67 years) were included in this study (random sample). Significant correlations were shown for 24 h delta transepidermal water loss changes, that is, barrier repair kinetics (sympathetic activity) and heart rate variability (parasympathetic activity). Further correlations were noted for electrodermal activity and skin surface pH. Perceived stress, as documented by the TICS questionnaire, did not correlate with psycho- and skin physiological parameters, respectively.

Conclusion: The presented approaches may provide a basis for non-invasive objective research on the correlation between psychological stressors and epidermal barrier function.

Keywords: epidermal barrier; skin barrier; skin bioengineering; skin physiology; stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

R. Stürmer is managing director of Psyrecon Research & Consulting Institute for Applied Psychophysiological Research, Wuppertal, Germany. The other authors have nothing to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
A) Diurnal phase: correlation between heart rate variability (HRV) and delta transepidermal water loss (TEWL) 24 h after barrier perturbation (correlation, Pearson = −0.557, p < 0.01); B) Nocturnal phase: correlation between HRV and delta TEWL 24 h after barrier perturbation (correlation, Pearson = −365; p < 0.05).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
A) Diurnal phase: correlation between heart rate variability HRV and percent barrier regeneration 24 h after barrier perturbation (correlation, Pearson = 0.609, p < 0.01), B) Nocturnal phase: correlation between HRV and percent barrier regeneration 24 h after barrier perturbation (correlation, Pearson = 0.519, p < 0.01).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Correlation between electrodermal activity (EDA) and skin surface pH prior to barrier perturbation (correlation, Pearson = −0.409, p < 0.05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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