You’d think so, but Professor Reinhold Dauskardt, from Stanford University in the United States, has measured and proven it. The structure and barrier function of the skin are different for men and women. And, of course, as he explained at the 15th Skin Ageing & Challenges conference in early November 2024, this has very practical implications for the design of cosmetic products.
During the 25 years he has devoted to research, Professor Reinhold Dauskardt has been particularly interested in the skin as an organ, its biophysical properties, the way it changes over time, and the link between the effect of a cosmetic product (cleanser or moisturiser) and the sensory perception of the skin.
A quick reminder: the skin is a multi-layered structure, with each layer having different functions and properties.
The epidermis has a high energy density and important shock-absorbing and body-insulating properties.
The dermis, which is highly vascularised, is rich in mechanoreceptive cells and afferent neurons, as well as being solid, resistant and extensible, and is very important for the perception of the external environment.
Then there is the stratum corneum, the first area of work for Professor Reinhold Dauskardt’s teams. These upper layers of the skin are exposed to the environment throughout their lives, coming into contact with other solid objects, leading to wear and tear and the need for constant renewal.
“When it comes to cosmetic products, the stratum corneum itself is of course very important,” said Professor Reinhold Dauskardt.
Water, the stratum corneum and the effectiveness of cosmetics
The stratum corneum is very sensitive to humidity. It very …
