Validation of GPSkin Barrier® for assessing epidermal permeability barrier function and stratum corneum hydration in humans

Abstract Background Measurements of transepidermal water loss ( TEWL ) and stratum corneum ( SC ) hydration are important for assessing epidermal functions. However, the availability of reliable and user‐friendly devices, which can simultaneously measure both TEWL and SC hydration and can allow health providers to remotely access data in time, is limited. Materials and Methods GPS kin Barrier ® was compared with MPA 5 system in the measurements of TEWL and SC hydration on the cheek, the dorsal hand, and the forearm in 200 normal volunteers, including 126 females and 74 males, aged 1‐78 years with an average age of 45.24 ± 1.04 years. Correlation of data measured with MPA 5 system and GPS kin Barrier ® was determined. Results Levels of both TEWL and SC hydration measured with the Barrie GPS kin Barrier ® were lower than that with MPA 5 system on all 3 body sites except for hydration on the cheek. The levels of both TEWL and SC hydration measured with GpSkin Barrier ® were correlated well with that measured with MPA 5 system on all 3 body sites Conclusions GPS kin Barrier ® is a reliable, affordable, and versatile device for assessing epidermal permeability barrier function and SC hydration.