ABSTRACT
Because the skin is a surface, it is convenient to analyze and describe it in terms of its surface characteristics such as friction. Tribological studies of skin provide valuable insight into how the skin interacts with other surfaces and how it can change under various conditions, like age and health, and chemical treatments, such as lotions and moisturizers (1). Because the skin is the first-line of defense against the environment, it is repeatedly subjected to physical and chemical damage and alterations. For example, Naylor (2) showed that the moistened skin has an elevated friction response, and El-Shimi (3) demonstrated that the drier skin has a lowered friction response. Tribological studies offer convenient, noninvasive techniques to quantitatively assess skin health and hydration.
