title: In vivo biophysical characterization of skin physiological differences in races.
abstract: The role of race in modulating skin responses has been investigated. Several parameters (skin thickness, transepidermal water loss, water content of the stratum corneum and skin biomechanics) have been measured using noninvasive tools in whites, Hispanics and blacks to assess whether the melanin content could induce changes in skin biophysical properties. Marked differences between races appear in stratum corneum water content and in skin extensibility, recovery and elastic modulus. Measurements done in different sun-exposed sites highlight the effects of solar irradiation on the skin and the role of melanin in preventing skin damage. The study shows that racial differences in skin physiology exist and are mainly related to the protective role of melanin present in races with darker skin. Moreover, differences in skin hydration are not fully explained according to the site and presence of hair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Berardesca
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Rigal
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Leveque
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Maibach
mesh_terms: D044383:Black People; D004548:Elasticity; D005542:Forearm; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D044469:Racial Groups; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014481:United States / Q000208:ethnology; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American