The skin is the largest human organ, which consists of three layers - the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It has a protective, secretory and thermoregulatory role and functions as a sensory organ. It protects the body from mechanical factors, from excessive evaporation of water and penetration of substances from the environment into the skin, from UV radiation and biological factors, and participates in the immune response. A key role in the maintenance and regulation of hydration is played by the cornified layer of the epidermis, which represents the main permeability barrier and thus regulates transepidermal water loss (TEWL - transepidermal water loss). (1) Due to the high content of minerals and trace metal ions, sea water is also often used for skin care. In accordance with numerous researches that have confirmed the beneficial properties of Dead Sea water (DSW) on various skin conditions (2), we studied the influence of the cosmetic product brine, which is available on the market under the Piranske soline brand Lepa Vida, on the properties of the skin in vivo. We included 15 female volunteers in the research, who used the product for 5 minutes a day on the inner forearm. We monitored the effect of the product on transepidermal water loss, erythema index, skin hydration and skin pH after seven and 14 days of use. We found that the brine (Lepa Vida) helps to improve the barrier function of the skin, as the TEWL value of all volunteers decreased significantly after seven and 14 days of using the product. However, we measured lower hydration values after use, which is probably related to the intensity of product use. According to the results of the measurements, we did not confirm the effect of the product on the erythema index and pH of the skin, which is in line with the improvement of the skin's barrier function. The results of the research suggest that, rather than a stand-alone cosmetic product, it is recommended to use brine as an ingredient in care cosmetic products, in which its beneficial effect on the skin's barrier function will come to the fore, while the other ingredients in the product will ensure adequate hydration of the skin.
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