The Influence of Water Content, Chemical Treatment and Temperature on the Rheological Properties of Stratum Corneum

The elastic modulus is determined as a function of water content for untreated stratum corneum, and stratum corneum treated with urea and LiBr. The modulus is also determined for stratum corneum at temperatures from 2°C to 45°C and on samples with the water solubles extracted. The modulus is independent of temperature, but may be modified by binding of small molecules to the protein in stratum corneum. The modulus is found to be a function of water content, not water activity