‘Skin’ Hydration Under Wet Fabrics

The effects of fabric type and of the duration of application on fabric water retention, water transfer to skin, and skin hydration do not appear to have been systematically examined despite frequent use of skin hydration as an indicator of skin health and wet fabrics being applied to the skin to increase skin hydration, enhance penetration of treatment, and/or facilitate cooling. In this work, three fiber types (nylon, wool/polyester, and wool), three fabric structures (single jersey, rib 1 × 1, and interlock 1 × 1), and five water levels (30%, 60%, 120%, 180%, and 240%—percent of dry fabric weight) were examined to determine which variables affect water transfer from wet fabrics to Vitro-Skin® (‘skin’). Water transfer was determined by measuring ‘skin’ hydration after exposing ‘skin’ to wet fabric (for 5, 10, and 20 min) when ‘covered’ (i.e., under an occlusive layer) and when ‘not covered’. ‘Skin’ hydration was greater with an occlusive layer and increased as the fabric water content increased. While ‘skin’ hydration increased with longer exposure, hydration decreased when ‘skin’ was under the wet nylon fabric for 20 min without a cover. The highest ‘skin’ hydration was recorded for wool rib and interlock fabrics with a water content of 240% used in combination with an occlusive layer. Where a cover was not used, the effects of fabric variables on ‘skin’ hydration were more pronounced.