Rajarahm, P., Bi, R., Attia, A. E., Zhang, R., Thng, S. T. G., Ng, S. P., Yuan, L., & Olivo, M. (2025). Noninvasive assessment of skin barrier function: evaluating ceramide-based moisturizer using confocal Raman spectroscopy. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 30(S3). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.jbo.30.s3.s34117
Abstract:
Significance
Confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) is a noninvasive technique that enables detailed biochemical analysis of the skin, providing insights into its structural and molecular composition. Atopic dermatitis and hand eczema, both characterized by impaired skin barrier function, require effective monitoring tools to assess treatment efficacy.
Aim
We aimed to quantitatively evaluate changes in skin physiological and biochemical parameters following the application of a ceramide-based moisturizer (test cream) compared with an aqueous moisturizer (control cream) in healthy volunteers and eczema patients.
Approach
Skin physiological assessments and CRS measurements were performed to evaluate water content and ceramide levels in both superficial and deeper skin layers after application of the two moisturizers.
Results
CRS revealed a significant increase in water content following test cream application, indicating improved skin hydration, whereas physiological measurements detected no statistically significant changes, underscoring the greater sensitivity of CRS. The test cream also significantly enhanced ceramide levels in both superficial and deeper skin layers, whereas the control cream increased ceramide levels only in the superficial stratum corneum (SC).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the test cream has a substantial positive impact on hand eczema, potentially improving both skin barrier function and biochemical properties.
License type:
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Funding Info:
Hyphens Pharma Pte Ltd
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Central Research Fund (ATR) 2021
Grant Reference no. : NA
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - I&E GAP Funding
Grant Reference no. : I24D1AG001
This research / project is supported by the Human Health and Potential (HHP) - Industry Alignment Fund - Pre-Positioning: project OPTIMAS
Grant Reference no. : H24J4a0146