<Original>A Study of Effects of Three Methods of Skin Cleansing on Skin pH, Moisturization, and Four Scales of Skin Physical Condition

Purpose: Skin is a defence against disease. In addition skin health affects a patient's comfort level and self image; therefore, maximizing patient dermatological health may significantly enhance the patient recovery process. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of three methods of skin cleansing on skin pH, moisturization, and four scales of skin physical condition. Methods: Twenty healthy females (aged 19 to 23) without history of skin disorders were involved in the study. Subjects' arms were cleansed in three methods, soapless, soaped towel, and sudsy towel. After cleansing, pH, moisturization, and physical condition (roughness, scaling, smoothness, and furrowing) of the skin were measured. Statistical analysis was done by paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. Result: All measurements in the soapless towel trial revealed no significant changes. In the sudsy towel trial, smoothness and moisturization were significantly increased (p.<.05). After cleansing with soap three times by hot towel in both soaped towel and sudsy towel trials, skin pH decreased, but it took one hour to return to the pre-trial level. Discussion: Soapless cleansing may alter skin condition the least among the three methods. Clinically, this method may be useful when skin oil is to be maintained. For the purpose of increasing skin smoothness, soap might be applied best in sudsy form. In addition, both soap application methods increased skin pH for at least one hour after the trial. Therefore, skin assessment following soap application by health providers may be indicated