Human skin buffering capacity: an overview.
Skin surface acidity can be measured according to two criteria, its value given by pH and its strength determined by the ability of the skin to resist an acidic/alkaline aggression (i.e. acidic/alkaline resistance and neutralization tests). It is the quantitative extent to which the skin resists these changes that defines the term buffer capacity or acid/alkali resistance and neutralization capacity of skin. We review studies investigating the possible mechanisms contributing to the buffering capacity of the epidermis via alkali/acidic aggression tests. This paper discerns which components of the epidermis are most likely responsible for the epidermal buffering ability.
Levin
Jacquelyn
J
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA. jlevin@hotmail.com
Maibach
Howard
H
D000818:Animals; D002021:Buffers; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D012629:Sebum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology*
D002021:Buffers; D004573:Electrolytes; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D007633:Keratins