Skin Impedance Measurements with Nanomesh Electrodes for Monitoring Skin Hydration

Abstract The importance of continuous monitoring of skin hydration in daily life, to aid in the diagnosis of skin diseases, is rising. Electrodes that can be worn directly on the skin are attracting attention as an effective means. However, they should not inhibit natural water evaporation from the skin and should not cause inflammation or irritation even if they are attached to the body for long periods of time. In this study, nanomesh electrodes that have previously been reported to exhibit high biocompatibility are also found to exhibit high water vapor permeability, resulting in properties that prevent skin dampness. Furthermore, the skin impedance measured using nanomesh electrodes is found to correlate with the hydration level of skin measured using existing medical equipment. This study provides a new approach to measure skin hydration in conditions close to bare skin.