Effects of seasonal changes on the skin surface electrical susceptance

Abstract

Human skin is continuously exposed to varying environmental conditions. While it is known that the skin's biophysical properties are influenced by seasonal changes, the impact of these conditions on its electrical characteristics-particularly skin surface susceptance-remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of seasonal variations on skin surface susceptance using a low-frequency electrical technique. The investigation was performed on 46 (23 males and 23 females) apparently healthy volunteers. Readings of electrical skin surface susceptance were taken from the volar forearm in all four seasons between autumn 2024 and June 2025. Seasonal changes had a significant effect on skin surface susceptance, with the highest values recorded in summer and the lowest in winter. In addition, a highly significant (p< 0.05,r= 0.98) positive correlation was established between seasonal temperature and the skin surface susceptance, and a significant (p< 0.05,r= -0.97) negative correlation between seasonal temperature and the skin surface susceptance was obtained. No significant differences were observed between male and female groups in response to seasonal changes, indicating that gender is an unimportant factor in this context. Our results suggest that seasonal variations should be taken into consideration when using the skin electrical technique. In addition, this will be relevant in the applications of skin sensors and dermatology.

Keywords: gender; seasonal change; skin; skin hydration; skin surface susceptance.