Application of biophysics and bioengineering to the assessment of barrier function

Atopic dermatitis is related to impaired skin barrier function. Skin on the face is thinner and the corneocytes of the stratum corneum are smaller [1]. This work aims to characterise skin barrier function on both the forehead and the forearm using bioengineering techniques. The results to-date reveal that the stratum corneum of forehead skin has less natural moisturising factor and intercellular lipids which are more disordered than that of the forearm. Forehead skin may therefore be considered to have a less competent barrier function.