Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Agache's Measuring the Skin pp 925–932Cite as

Biometrology Guidelines for the In Vivo Assessment of Skin Surface pH in Nonclinical Settings

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:

Abstract

Skin surface pH plays an important role in the maintenance of skin barrier integrity and epidermal homeostasis. In workplace environments, myriad exposures may alter the skin surface pH and influence development of skin diseases. Unlike well-controlled clinical settings, workplaces and other nonclinical settings are more variable and present unique measurement challenges, making guidelines necessary for accurate determination of skin surface pH in these environments. The standard approach for the measurement of skin surface pH is the use of a glass planar electrode. Good measurement practices for nonclinical settings include: (1) minimizing the influences of relevant endogenous, exogenous, and environmental factors that affect measurements (e.g., anatomical position, hand washing, occlusion from use of protective garments such as gloves); (2) reporting pH measurement results on a relative basis, e.g., percent change rather than absolute values; and (3) capturing any events that may influence measurements. It is envisaged that these guidelines will promote better understanding of skin barrier integrity, particularly in occupational environments, and consequentially enable intercomparison of future study results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   649.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   899.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abe T, Mayuzumi J, Kikuchi N, Arai S. Seasonal variations in skin temperature, skin pH, evaporative water loss and skin surface lipid values on human skin. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1980;28(2):387–92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed-Lecheheb D, Cunat L, Hartemann P, Hautemaniere A. Prospective observational study to assess hand skin condition after application of alcohol-based hand rub solutions. Am J Infect Control. 2012;40(2):160–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ali SM, Yosipovitch G. Skin pH: from basic science to basic skin care. Acta Derm Venereol. 2013;93(3):261–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berardesca E, Pirot F, Singh M, Maibach H. Differences in stratum corneum pH gradient when comparing white Caucasian and black African-American skin. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139(5):855–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Collins KJ. The corrosion of metal by palmar sweat. Br J Ind Med. 1957;14(3):191–7.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cork MJ, Danby SG, Vasilopoulos Y, Hadgraft J, Lane ME, Moustafa M, et al. Epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol. 2009;129(8):1892–908.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Paepe K, Houben E, Adam R, Hachem JP, Roseeuw D, Rogiers V. Seasonal effects on the nasolabial skin condition. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2009;22(1):8–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dikstein S, Zlotogorski A. Measurement of skin pH. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh). 1994;185:18–20.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dikstein S, Hartzshtark A, Bercovici P. The dependence of low-pressure indentation, slackness, and surface pH on age in forehead skin of women. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1984;35:221–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Du Plessis JL, Eloff FC, Engelbrecht S, Laubscher PJ, van Aarde MN, Franken A. Dermal exposure and changes in skin barrier function of base metal refinery workers co-exposed to cobalt and nickel. Occup Health South Afr. 2013;19(1):6–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan CN, Riley TV, Carson KC, Budgeon CA, Siffleet J. The effect of an acidic cleanser versus soap on the skin pH and micro-flora of adult patients: a non-randomised two group crossover study in an intensive care unit. Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 2013;29(5):291–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehlers C, Ivens UI, Moller ML, Senderovitz T, Serup J. Females have lower skin surface pH than men. A study on the surface of gender, forearm site variation, right/left difference and time of the day on the skin surface pH. Skin Res Technol. 2001a;7(2):90–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehlers C, Ivens UI, Moller ML, Senderovitz T, Serup J. Comparison of two pH meters used for skin surface pH measurement: the pH meter ‘pH900’ from Courage & Khazaka versus the pH meter ‘1140’ from Mettler Toledo. Skin Res Technol. 2001b;7(2):84–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Galzote C, Estanislao R, Suero MO, Khaiat A, Mangubat MI, Moideen R, et al. Characterization of facial skin of various Asian populations through visual and non-invasive instrumental evaluations: influence of seasons. Skin Res Technol. 2014;20:453–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grimes P, Edison BL, Green BA, Wildnauer RH. Evaluation of inherent differences between African American and white skin surface properties using subjective and objective measures. Cutis. 2004;73(6):392–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grunewald AM, Gloor M, Gehring W, Kleesz P. Damage to the skin by repetitive washing. Contact Dermatitis. 1995;32(4):225–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hemingway JD, Molokhia MM. The dissolution of metallic nickel in artificial sweat. Contact Dermatitis. 1987;16(2):99–105.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobi U, Gautier J, Sterry W, Lademann J. Gender-related differences in the physiology of the stratum corneum. Dermatology. 2005;211(4):312–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • John S. Primary and acquired sensitive skin. In: Berardesca E, Fluhr J, Maibach H, editors. The sensitive skin syndrome. New York: Taylor & Francis; 2006. p. 129–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jungbauer FH, Lensen GJ, Groothoff JW, Coenraads PJ. Exposure of the hands to wet work in nurses. Contact Dermatitis. 2004;50(4):225–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jungersted JM, Scheer H, Mempel M, Baurecht H, Cifuentes L, Hogh JK, et al. Stratum corneum lipids, skin barrier function and filaggrin mutations in patients with atopic eczema. Allergy. 2010;65(7):911–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keegel TG, Nixon RL, LaMontagne AD. Exposure to wet work in working Australians. Contact Dermatitis. 2012;66(2):87–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kezic S, O'Regan GM, Lutter R, Jakasa I, Koster ES, Saunders S, et al. Filaggrin loss-of-function mutations are associated with enhanced expression of IL-1 cytokines in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis and in a murine model of filaggrin deficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129(4):1031–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kim MK, Patel RA, Shinn AH, Choi SY, Byun HJ, Huh CH, et al. Evaluation of gender difference in skin type and pH. J Dermatol Sci. 2006;41(2):153–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kleesz P, Darlenski R, Fluhr JW. Full-body skin mapping for six biophysical parameters: baseline values at 16 anatomical sites in 125 human subjects. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(1):25–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knor T, Meholjic-Fetahovic A, Mehmedagic A. Stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH in patients with atopic dermatitis. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2011;19(4):242–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kobayashi H, Tagami H. Distinct locational differences observable in biophysical functions of the facial skin: with special emphasis on the poor functional properties of the stratum corneum of the perioral region. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004;26(2):91–101.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korting HC, Kober M, Mueller M, Braun-Falco O. Influence of repeated washings with soap and synthetic detergents on pH and resident flora of the skin of forehead and forearm. Results of a cross-over trial in health probationers. Acta Derm Venereol. 1987;67(1):41–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korting HC, Hubner K, Greiner K, Hamm G, Braun-Falco O. Differences in the skin surface pH and bacterial microflora due to the long-term application of synthetic detergent preparations of pH 5.5 and pH 7.0. Results of a crossover trial in healthy volunteers. Acta Derm Venereol. 1990;70(5):429–31.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korting HC, Megele M, Mehringer L, Vieluf D, Zienicke H, Hamm G, et al. Influence of skin cleansing preparation acidity on skin surface properties. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1991;13(2):91–102.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kottner J, Ludriksone L, Garcia Bartels N, Blume-Peytavi U. Do repeated skin barrier measurements influence each other’s results? An explorative study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(2):90–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P. Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006;28(5):359–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Latreille J, Guinot C, Robert-Granie C, Le Fur I, Tenenhaus M, Foulley JL. Daily variations in skin surface properties using mixed model methodology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2004;17(3):133–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Le Fur I, Reinberg A, Lopez S, Morizot F, Mechkouri M, Tschachler E. Analysis of circadian and ultradian rhythms of skin surface properties of face and forearm of healthy women. J Invest Dermatol. 2001;117(3):718–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee MR, Nam GW, Jung YC, Park SY, Han JY, Cho JC, et al. Comparison of the skin biophysical parameters of Southeast Asia females: forehead-cheek and ethnic groups. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013;27(12):1521–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Skin physiology in men and women: in vivo evaluation of 300 people including TEWL, SC hydration, sebum content and skin surface pH. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013a;35(5):477–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Age-related changes in skin barrier function – quantitative evaluation of 150 female subjects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013b;35(2):183–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luebberding S, Kolbe L, Kerscher M. Influence of sportive activity on skin barrier function: a quantitative evaluation of 60 athletes. Int J Dermatol. 2013c;52(6):745–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Age-related changes in male skin: quantitative evaluation of one hundred and fifty male subjects. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):9–17.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lysdal SH, Johansen JD, Flyvholm MA, Sosted H. A quantification of occupational skin exposures and the use of protective gloves among hairdressers in Denmark. Contact Dermatitis. 2012;66(6):323–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Man MQ, Xin SJ, Song SP, Cho SY, Zhang XJ, Tu CX, et al. Variation of skin surface pH, sebum content and stratum corneum hydration with age and gender in a large Chinese population. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2009;22(4):190–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Marrakchi S, Maibach HI. Biophysical parameters of skin: map of human face, regional, and age-related differences. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(1):28–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moldovan M, Nanu A. Influence of cleansing product type on several skin parameters after single use. Farmacia. 2010;58(1):29–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohman H, Vahlquist A. In vivo studies concerning a pH gradient in human stratum corneum and upper epidermis. Acta Derm Venereol. 1994;74(5):375–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ohman H, Vahlquist A. The pH gradient over the stratum corneum differs in X-linked recessive and autosomal dominant ichthyosis: a clue to the molecular origin of the “acid skin mantle”? J Invest Dermatol. 1998;111(4):674–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parra JL, Paye M. EEMCO guidance for the in vivo assessment of skin surface pH. Skin Pharmacol Appl Ski Physiol. 2003;16(3):188–202.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pratchyapruit W, Kikuchi K, Gritiyarangasan P, Aiba S, Tagami H. Functional analyses of the eyelid skin constituting the most soft and smooth area on the face: contribution of its remarkably large superficial corneocytes to effective water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum. Skin Res Technol. 2007;13(2):169–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rippke F, Schreiner V, Schwanitz HJ. The acidic milieu of the horny layer: new findings on the physiology and pathophysiology of skin pH. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(4):261–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sato N, Kitahara T, Fujimura T. Age-related changes of stratum corneum functions of skin on the trunk and the limbs. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(4):181.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmid-Wendtner MH, Korting HC. The pH of the skin surface and its impact on the barrier function. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006;19(6):296–302.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schreml S, Zeller V, Meier RJ, Korting HC, Behm B, Landthaler M, et al. Impact of age and body site on adult female skin surface pH. Dermatology. 2012;224(1):66–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stefaniak AB, Plessis J, John SM, Eloff F, Agner T, Chou TC, et al. International guidelines for the in vivo assessment of skin properties in non-clinical settings: part 1. pH. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(2):59–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stefaniak AB, Duling MG, Geer L, Virji MA. Dissolution of the metal sensitizers Ni, Be, Cr in artificial sweat to improve estimates of dermal bioaccessibility. Environ Sci Process Impact. 2014;16(2):341–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steiner MF, Dick FD, Scaife AR, Semple S, Paudyal P, Ayres JG. High prevalence of skin symptoms among bakery workers. Occup Med (Lond). 2011;61(4):280–2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Treffel P, Panisset F, Faivre B, Agache P. Hydration, transepidermal water loss, pH and skin surface parameters: correlations and variations between dominant and non-dominant forearms. Br J Dermatol. 1994;130(3):325–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang S, Zhang G, Meng H, Li L. Effect of exercise-induced sweating on facial sebum, stratum corneum hydration, and skin surface pH in normal population. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(1):e312–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Warrier A, Kligman A, Harper R, Bowman J, Wickett R. A comparison of black and white skin using noninvasive methods. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1996;47:229–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wesley NO, Maibach HI. Racial (ethnic) differences in skin properties: the objective data. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(12):843–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelm KP, Cua AB, Maibach HI. Skin aging. Effect on transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH, and casual sebum content. Arch Dermatol. 1991;127(12):1806–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ye YM, Kim BE, Shin YS, Park HS, Leung DY. Increased epidermal filaggrin in chronic idiopathic urticaria is associated with severity of urticaria. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014;112(6):533–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Xiong GL, Haus E, Sackett-Lundeen L, Ashkenazi I, Maibach HI. Time-dependent variations of the skin barrier function in humans: transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH, and skin temperature. J Invest Dermatol. 1998;110(1):20–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Youn SH, Choi CW, Choi JW, Youn SW. The skin surface pH and its different influence on the development of acne lesion according to gender and age. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(2):131–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zlotogorski A. Distribution of skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of adults. Arch Dermatol Res. 1987;279(6):398–401.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA

    Aleksandr B. Stefaniak

  2. Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Johan L. Du Plessis

Authors
  1. Aleksandr B. Stefaniak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Johan L. Du Plessis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aleksandr B. Stefaniak .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France

    Philippe Humbert

  2. Center for Study and Research on the Integuments, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France

    Ferial Fanian

  3. Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

  4. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France

    Pierre Agache

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this entry

Cite this entry

Stefaniak, A.B., Du Plessis, J.L. (2017). Biometrology Guidelines for the In Vivo Assessment of Skin Surface pH in Nonclinical Settings. In: Humbert, P., Fanian, F., Maibach, H., Agache, P. (eds) Agache's Measuring the Skin. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32383-1_127

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32383-1_127

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-32381-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-32383-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation