Cutaneous differences between Black, African or Caribbean Mixed-race and Caucasian women: biometrological approach of the hydrolipidic film.

Background/purpose: Studies about the adaptation of ethnic types of skin to an environment radically different from their original environment are rarely found in the literature. We have evaluated the differences in the skin surface properties of three ethnic groups: Black, African or Caribbean Mixed-race and Caucasian women living in defined climatic conditions.

Methods: Biometrological evaluations of barrier function were made by measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin dryness.