Development of a horny layer moisture meter based on a novel electric conductivity measurement method

Abstract

Conventional horny layer moisture meters use high-frequency admittance as the index of the water content of the horny layer without full proof. We have developed a novel moisture meter ASA-M1 in which admittance is measured at two different frequencies. With this meter, we have established a method to measure the water content and the thickness of the horny layer as well as the surface water content within seconds. This equipment enables us to evaluate water content, barrier function, and the dry depth of the horny layer more accurately than the conventional meters. It will be usefull in the clinical areas such as evaluation of atopic dermatitis and skin roughness..