Assessment of spray application of Saint GERVAIS® water effects on skin wettability by contact angle measurement comparison with bidistilled water

Background: The skin is responsible for protecting the body from physical, chemical and microbial injuries. The stratum corneum is the top layer of the epidermis and it plays a key role in helping to contain moisture. When the skin becomes damaged, its ability to perform these functions is compromised. Dry skin is a common form of skin damage. Contact angle theta between a surface and water is a good indicator of hydrophobic or hydrophilic tendency of surfaces. Objective: To quantify the influence of spray application of an isotonic mineral water ( Saint GERVAIS(R) water) on the hydrophobic tendency of dry skin and to compare spreading of both types of water on the skin through theta measurement of each water drop on the skin before and after mineral spray application. Materials and Methods: Contact angles theta between skin surface and the two types of water (bidistilled and mineral water) were measured before and after application of mineral water by a system allowing the measurement of theta in vivo and in vitro. The cutaneous hydration, the temperature and pH were also measured before and after mineral water application. Results: As for the application of mineral water, the cutaneous pH significantly increased so the strong skin acidity decreased. The cutaneous temperature was modified (a decrease of 2 degrees C was noted) and the cutaneous hydration was also increased (+47 AU). The hydrophobic tendency of the dry skin tested in this study was strongly decreased after mineral water application. This parameter was illustrated by a decrease of contact angle theta value. Conclusion: Saint GERVAIS(R) water application allowed a regulation of skin pH, a fresh sensation on the skin and an increase in the cutaneous hydration. Moreover, the contact angle measurement with bidistilled water illustrated the increased wettability of the skin.