Barrier Effect Efficacy Testing for Skin Protection 651

Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia P. O. Box 10620, 50720 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 03-8769 4400 Fax: 03-8925 9446 Website: www.mpob.gov.my kin is the largest organ of the human body. It is our first line of defense against external dirt, infections and other irritants that could potentially affect our health. Barrier protective products have been developed for skin protection that can ward off external harmful elements, which can penetrate the epidermis and cause untold damage to the skin. While skin barrier creams are not as popular as sunblock, anti-wrinkle and moisturising lotions, they still play an important role in protecting the skin from substances, such as corrosive and toxic liquids or chemicals. Skin barrier creams are also used as general hypoallergenic protection from skin allergies for people with sensitive skin, for example from diaper rash and bed sores. Repeated exposure of the skin to irritants and low temperatures or friction may lead to a gradual lowering of threshold for the disruption of the skin barrier and consequently to irritant-contact dermatitis (Korstanje, 2001).