Decoding the Science Behind Skin Tightness

Researchers at Stanford have uncovered the mechanism behind the sensation of skin tightness after using cleansers and the relief felt after moisturization. The study found that cleansers strip lipids, causing the skin's outer layer to contract, while moisturizers increase water content, leading to swelling. These mechanical changes affect mechanoreceptors below the skin, which send signals to the brain, interpreted as skin tightness. The researchers were able to predict skin tightness based on changes in the stratum corneum and their analysis correlated closely with human trials. This understanding could help improve skincare formulations and potentially be applied to non-verbal communication devices.