Does skin hydration influence keratinocyte biology? In vivo evaluation of microscopic skin changes induced by moisturizers by means of reflectance confocal microscopy.

Background: Skin hydration is defined as the water content of the epidermis and the dermis. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy offers the opportunity to determine in vivo the kinetics of the skin after the application of topical products.

Objective: To define confocal features associated with dry skin and assess the microscopic effects of different moisturizers.

Proposal for an in vivo histopathologic scoring system for skin aging by means of confocal microscopy.

Background: Many instrumental devices have been testing in analysing and quantifying the skin aging signs. However, histopathology still remains the only methods that allow a microscopic assessment of the skin. However, a skin biopsy is not feasible in aesthetically critical areas such as the face.