The effects of pajama fabrics’ water absorption properties on the stratum corneum under mildly cold conditions - 10/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.12.035

Lei Yao, PhD ^a, Yi Li, PhD ^a,^⁎ , Mayur Danny Indulal Gohel, PhD ^b, Waiyee J. Chung, PhD ^c
^a Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
^b Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
^c School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Correspondence to: Yi Li, PhD, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Abstract

Background

The interaction of textiles with the skin is a fertile area for research.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clothing fabric on the stratum corneum (SC) under mildly cold conditions.

Methods

A longitudinal controlled parallel study was designed to investigate the effects of the liquid/moisture absorption properties of pajama fabrics on the SC water content, transepidermal water loss, skin surface acidity (pH), and sebum.

Results

The hygroscopicity of pajama fabrics had significant associations with the SC water content and transepidermal water loss on the skin of the volunteers’ backs. Sebum in the hydrophilic cotton group was slightly lower than in the polyester groups and hydrophobic cotton groups. Subjects felt warmer in the hydrophobic groups than in the hydrophilic groups. The hydrophilicity of the fabric also showed an association with overnight urinary free catecholamines.

Limitations

In this study, detailed components of sebum were not analyzed.

Conclusions

The hygroscopicity of the fabric may be a key factor influencing SC hydration during daily wear under mildly cold conditions.

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Key words : clothing fabric properties, sensory response, skin surface acidity, stratum corneum hydration

Abbreviations used : OUNE, SC, SCWC, TEWL

Plan

Methods

Experimental pajamas and their physical properties

Skin surface acidity (pH)

	This research was supported by Hong Kong Polytechnic University through projects ITP/014/08TP and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sports Medicine and Health Science Center.
	Conflicts of interest: None declared.
	Reprints not available from the authors.