Shiseido has discovered that an antigen protein in cedar pollen lowers the skin’s protective function. ‘Cry j1’ has previously been known to trigger allergic reactions in the eyes and nose, but this is the first time that an adverse reaction has been proved on epidermal cells.
To reveal the effects of the skin's protective function, Shiseido measured the volume of water and intercellular lipids when a solution containing antigen protein 'Cry j1' in cedar pollen was applied after the stratum corneum was peeled off from tissue-cultured epidermis using sticky tape to artificially destroy the barrier. Compared to when water was applied, the study revealed that the volume of water evaporation from skin to which the solution containing the 'Cry j1' protein was applied was significantly higher, and the skin was dehydrated.
Based on these findings, the study concluded that the skin's protective function was lost due to the presence of 'Cry j1'. Shiseido's study highlights the importance of preventing cedar pollen from adhering to the skin.