CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSICAL FUNCTION OF SKIN BARRIERS -Significance of pH measurement,water absorption,waterproof properties,and buffer action-

Abstract

　We compared 29 available skin barriers on concerning physical function by examining pH value,water absorption,waterproof properties,and buffer action. Mean pH values of the skin barrier ranged from 3.15 to 6.07 in a weakly acidity（nonsignificant difference was found among the CMC type,Karaya type ～and mixed type）. The Karaya type showed the highest water absorption. The CMC type showed the greatest waterproof property. Regarding the efficacy of buffer action,both Karaya and CMC showed low levels of bile juice compared to water and urine,and after 24 hours slowly returned to pH values of the skin barrier.
　These results indicate that the buffer action induced by skin barriers was less effective in bile juice.