ABSTRACT
Exposure of skin to surfactants results in both visible and nonvisible irritation [1–3]. Observable irritation is manifested through changes in erythema (vasodilation response of the skin), edema, and dryness (flaking, scaling, cracking). Nonvisible, self-perceived irritation can include stinging, burning, itching, pain, tightness, etc. Along with the above characterization of skin condition, biophysical instrumentation has been developed to objectively assess certain skin properties. Many commercially available instruments measure the water content of the skin, the integrity of the stratum comeum barrier, skin color and microcirculation, the mechanical properties of the skin, skin surface roughness, 490etc. There are several good review chapters and books on the subject of biophysical instrumentation [4–8].
