New research has found the stratum corneum could play a key role in protecting skin from UVB-induced irritation.
The study, by Kao Corporation, measured volunteers’ stratum corneum barrier function and skin sensitivity against UVB.
This was carried out by determining the lowest UVB irradiation dose to induce erythema - redness of skin injury.
It confirmed that participants with a reduced stratum corneum barrier function are prone to UVB-induced erythema.
This means consumers who are easily sunburnt could have a lower barrier function.
The analysis, however, indicated that skin sensitivity of the stratum corneum does not correlate with skin colour.
Generally darker skin is thought to be less prone to sunburn.
Kao will use these findings in its ongoing research for new sun protection products.