Gender-related differences in the physiology of the stratum corneum.
BACKGROUND
Only few studies on gender-related differences in skin physiology have been performed--and they provided conflicting results.


OBJECTIVE
In the present study, the effect of gender on the physiology of the stratum corneum was studied.


METHODS
The physiological parameters transepidermal water loss, pH value, hydration and sebum content were determined on the flexor forearms of 6 female and 6 male volunteers. In addition, stratum corneum samples, removed by tape stripping, were studied for amount, spectroscopic properties, protein content, and mass.


RESULTS
The skin of women was characterized by a significantly higher pH value (5.6 +/- 0.4) than that of men (4.3 +/- 0.4, p < 0.05). Protein absorption was the only other parameter significantly dependent on gender (p < 0.05). Both effects might be caused by differences in human biology, such as hormonal status.


CONCLUSIONS
Therefore, the gender of the volunteers should be considered in dermatologic studies.
Jacobi
Ute
U
Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Charité, Berlin, Germany. ute.jacobi@charite.de
Gautier
Julien
J
Sterry
Wolfram
W
Lademann
Jürgen
J
D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism; D002452:Cell Count; D003124:Colorimetry; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000502:physiology; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000502:physiology
D011506:Proteins