Current Data on Effects of Long-Term Missions on the International Space Station on Skin Physiological Parameters.

Background: Skin reaction to spaceflight has not really been studied yet, although the skin has a very important barrier function to protect the body and can contribute to a more general understanding of physiology. It is proposed here to make a more thorough investigation of the skin during long-term spaceflight, using noninvasive techniques.

Aims: The aim of the present Skin-B study is to investigate the kinetics and range of possible skin modifications during long-duration spaceflights and their recovery.