Exploring Electrochemistry to Monitor Skin Barrier Integrity
Understanding the role of the skin barrier is critical to advancing knowledge in dermatology and cosmetic science. Our recent study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Richard et al. 2025), in collaboration with Wired Beauty and Greater Paris University Hospitals – AP-HP, presents an innovative approach to assess skin barrier integrity using electrochemistry. This innovative method opens up new possibilities for dermatological research, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
This article provides an overview of the study, its relevance to dermocosmetic scientists, dermatologists and skin care researchers, and why this proof-of-concept could revolutionize skin barrier assessment.
Share This Research Highlight
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis
- Electrochemistry Meets Dermatology – The Skin’s Antioxidant Profile
- Benefits for the Dermocosmetic Industry
- Looking Ahead – Expanding Antioxidant Analysis for Skin Barrier Assessment
Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 20% of children and up to 10% of adults in high-income countries (1).
AD is characterized by intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions; however, the clinical presentation is diverse, with different subtypes or endotypes (2).
The causes of AD are complex and multifactorial due to both external and internal factors, but impaired skin barrier function plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease.
Traditional Skin Barrier Assessment Methods
The skin barrier acts as the body’s first line of defense, protecting against environmental factors while regulating hydration. A compromised skin barrier is associated with several conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and even premature aging, making its assessment critical. Traditional methods of assessment include
- Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) measurement – Assesses water evaporation from the epidermis to evaluate barrier performance
- Corneometry – measures skin hydration via electrical capacitance
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) – Quantifies natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) associated with skin hydration.
While reliable and widely used, these methods can be time-consuming, invasive and provide limited insight at the biochemical level (3,4,5). They often require controlled environments, which can be restrictive in clinical or research settings. Here, electrochemistry offers a promising alternative.
Electrochemistry Meets Dermatology – The Skin’s Electrochemical Profile
A New Method to Skin Barrier Integrity
The study by Richard et al. aimed to explore electrochemistry as a potential alternative for assessing skin barrier function. This method determines the electrochemical profile of the skin by detecting, among others, compounds such as natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) with antioxidant properties. This electrochemical technique, which has not been previously reported for skin barrier assessment, was validated in both skin explants and in vivo subjects and compared to established methods such as TEWL, corneometry and HPLC.
Key steps in the study included:
- Skin explant validation: Tests were performed on 18 skin samples before and after surface damage induced by tape stripping. Electrochemical measurements were performed using patch sampling and TEWL assays were used as a benchmark.
- Multicenter study: A study was conducted on 40 volunteers (20 with atopic dermatitis and 20 with normal skin). Subjects were carefully screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Using Electrochemistry to Differentiate Skin in Atopic Dermatitis – Key Study Highlights
Validation on Skin Explants
- Barrier disruption resulted in a 490% increase in electrochemical values, validating the sensor’s sensitivity.
- This increase correlated strongly with TEWL measurements, confirming the sensor’s ability to reliably detect barrier dysfunction
Clinical Application in AD Patients
In human subjects, electrochemistry proved superior in discriminating between AD and normal skin:
- Electrochemistry demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing AD-affected skin (AUC = 0.78) compared to HPLC, TEWL, and corneometry (Figure 1).
- In contrast to other methods, the electrochemical approach offered greater precision in distinguishing normal from AD skin.
Figure 1:ROC curves for electrochemical value, corneometry, TEWL, and NMF content measured by HPLC between subjects with normal and atopic skin. (Modified from Richard et al. JID 2025).
Insights Beyond Traditional Metrics
The study identified important electrochemical evolution associated with skin barrier changes, suggesting potential adaptive mechanisms. This approach bridges the gap between biochemical and structural assessments of the skin barrier, providing richer insights into skin physiology.
Electrochemical Sensor for Skin Barrier Assessment – How the technology works
The authors used a new electrochemical sensor that uses a voltametric method, paired with a digital interface for data collection and interference elimination.
To avoid interferences such as sweat or sebum, the sensor doesn’t touch the skin directly. Instead, a non-invasive, patch-based collection process is used (Figure 2):
- A specially designed patch treated with electrolyte solution is briefly applied to the skin for just 30 seconds.
- Electrochemical species from the skin surface are transferred to the patch.
- The patch is placed on the sensor, an electrical potential is applied, and the resulting electrical current is measured and converted into a signal – the electrochemical signature.
The electrochemical sensor used in the study works with three electrodes – working electrode (WE) for electrochemical reactions, reference electrode (RE) to control potential variations, and counter electrode (CE) to maintain current stability. The study used square wave voltammetry, where the WE undergoes a voltage sweep while the current between the WE and CE is measured. The data from this process identifies oxidation peaks associated with electrochemical species and helps to assess their skin levels.
Figure 2: Non-invasive patch-based sample collection process.
Strict protocols including calibration, cleaning, drift checks and error correction ensure reliable, consistent results regardless of skin type or environmental conditions. The entire process is non-invasive and skin safe.
Benefits for the Dermocosmetic Industry
Better Sensitivity for Skin Disease Diagnosis
For researchers and clinicians, the electrochemical method’s superior ability to classify AD subjects compared to traditional tools represents a significant advance. Unlike TEWL and corneometry, which primarily measure physical changes, electrochemistry provides biochemical insights into the interplay between skin barrier integrity and electrochemical activity.
A Revolutionary Tool for Skincare Innovation
The implications of this research are far reaching. Electrochemistry can help evaluate the efficacy of skin care products, actives and barrier repair treatments. Its high reproducibility and rapid results make it a valuable addition to both clinical dermatology and cosmetic testing laboratories.
Non-Invasive and Scalable Techniques
The method’s simplicity and non-invasive nature make it an accessible alternative for clinical and field studies, potentially extending its utility to large-scale assessments or consumer applications.
Looking Ahead – Expanding Electrochemical Analysis for Skin Barrier Assessment
Future development of the technology
The results of this proof-of-concept study pave the way for further research. Key areas of future research may include
- Identification of electrochemical markers: Understanding which specific electrochemical species, like NMFs, vitamins, enzymes, etc., play the most critical role in skin barrier protection and repair.
- Different skin conditions and disease progression: Investigating how this method scales for quantifying electrochemical species in advanced AD and various skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, or vitiligo, and exploring associations with disease progression.
- Sensor Optimization: Improving electrochemical sensor designs to enhance analytical performance, selectivity and specificity.
A Step Toward Better Diagnostics
Electrochemistry, as validated by this project, illuminates the interplay between skin barrier disorders and electrochemical responses. Its advantages range from detecting nuanced skin changes to streamlining analysis through non-invasiveness and simplicity – filling the long felt gaps left by standard tools in dermatology and skin care research.
For dermocosmetic scientists, dermatologists and skin researchers, this innovative electrochemical sensor offers exciting opportunities to increase research accuracy and develop the next wave of skin care solutions.
Discover how this method can change the way you assess and understand skin health.
For detailed insights or collaboration opportunities, contact us today.
Discover our articles
Download our brochure on
Skin Barrier & Hydration
Download our flyer on
Ceramides
Download our flyer on
Sensitive Skin &
Skin Inflammation
Our project partners
