An exploratory study of structural and microvascular changes in the skin following electrical shaving using Optical Coherence Topography

Abstract

Background: consumer products such as electrical shavers exert a combination of dynamic loading in the form of pressure and shear on the skin. This mechanical stimulus can lead to discomfort and skin tissue responses characterised as “Skin Sensitivity”. To minimise discomfort following shaving there is a need to establish specific stimulus-response relationships using advanced tools such as Optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Objective: to explore the spatial and temporal changes in skin morphology and microvascular function following an electrical shaving stimulus.

Methods: 10 healthy male volunteers were recruited. The study included a 60 seconds electrical shaving stimulus on the forearm, cheek, and neck. Skin parameters were recorded at baseline, 20 minutes post stimulus, and 24 hours post stimulus. Structural and dynamic skin parameters were estimated using OCT, while TEWL was recorded to provide reference values for skin barrier function.

Results: at baseline, 6 of the 8 parameters revealed statistically significant differences between the forearm and the facial sites, while only surface roughness (Rq) and reflectivity were statistically different (p<0.05) between the cheek and neck. At 20 minutes post shaving, there was a significant increase in the TEWL values accompanied by increased blood perfusion, with varying magnitude of change dependent on the anatomical site. Recovery characteristics were observed 24 hours post stimulus with most parameters returning to basal values, highlighting the transient influence of the stimulus.

Conclusions: OCT parameters revealed spatial and temporal differences in the skin tissue response to electrical shaving. This approach could inform shaver design and prevent skin sensitivity.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Pete Worsley: orcid.org/0000-0003-0145-5042

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