A prospective study on the effects of 10 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on skin parameters in young healthy women.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) uses extremely low temperatures to induce physiological responses, directly affecting skin perfusion and metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a series of 10 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on selected skin parameters in 12 young, healthy, and non-training women.

Methods

Participants aged 21-25 underwent a series of 10 cryotherapy sessions at a temperature of -120 °C. Measurements were performed at 7 time points using the following probes (Courage Khazaka, Germany): Corneometer (skin hydration), Tewameter (transepidermal water loss, TEWL), Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (skin elasticity and firmness), Mexameter (erythrema and melanin content), and Skin-Thermometer® ST 500 (skin temperature).

RESULTS

The study revealed a statistically significant decrease in skin temperature and hydration, as well as an increase in redness (erythema). No significant changes were observed in biomechanical parameters (firmness, elasticity) or in TEWL.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-body cryotherapy in young, healthy women induces a marked vascular response, affecting skin microcirculation. Despite the reduction in hydration, the treatments are likely safe for the skin's protective barrier and do not negatively impact its mechanical properties in young, healthy women. Further research is needed to explain the complexity of these processes.