How Human skin does absorb a small amount of oxygen directly from the air

 


Title: Quantitative Assessment of Cutaneous Oxygen Uptake in Humans: Implications for Skin Physiology and Environmental Exposure

Abstract: Human skin exhibits limited capacity for oxygen absorption from the atmosphere, contributing minimally to overall oxygen supply. This review synthesizes current research on the mechanisms, measurement techniques, and physiological significance of cutaneous oxygen uptake, highlighting its role in skin homeostasis and response to environmental factors.

1. Introduction

Human skin, primarily serving as a protective barrier, also participates in various physiological processes, including limited gas exchange. While the lungs are the predominant organs for oxygen intake, the skin's ability to absorb atmospheric oxygen has been a subject of scientific inquiry since the 19th century (Stücker et al., 2002). This review aims to consolidate findings on the extent, measurement, and physiological relevance of cutaneous oxygen uptake.

2. Mechanisms of Cutaneous Oxygen Uptake

2.1 Oxygen Sources for the Skin

The skin receives oxygen from two primary sources:

  • Blood Circulation: The dermis is richly vascularized, supplying deeper skin layers with oxygen via capillaries.

  • Atmosphere: The epidermis, particularly the stratum basale, can absorb oxygen directly from the air. Studies have shown that under normal conditions, the skin's oxygen uptake rate is approximately 0.53 ± 0.27 mL O₂/min/m² (Stücker et al., 2002).

2.2 Diffusion Dynamics

Oxygen diffuses through the skin via passive mechanisms, driven by concentration gradients. The stratum corneum, composed of keratinized cells, acts as a barrier, limiting the depth to which atmospheric oxygen can penetrate. Research indicates that atmospheric oxygen can reach depths of approximately 0.25–0.40 mm into the epidermis, with deeper dermal layers relying predominantly on blood supply (Stücker et al., 2004).

3. Measurement Techniques

Quantifying cutaneous oxygen uptake requires precise methodologies:

  • Clark-Type Electrodes: These electrodes measure local oxygen concentrations, allowing for assessment of oxygen flux at the skin surface.

  • Optode Sensors: These non-invasive devices detect changes in oxygen partial pressure, facilitating real-time monitoring of oxygen uptake (Stücker et al., 2002).

Studies employing these techniques have reported skin oxygen uptake rates ranging from 0.53 to 0.75 mL O₂/min/m² under resting conditions.

4. Factors Influencing Cutaneous Oxygen Uptake

4.1 Environmental Conditions

Humidity and temperature significantly affect the skin's permeability and, consequently, oxygen absorption. Well-hydrated skin exhibits enhanced oxygen uptake due to increased diffusivity (Stücker et al., 2004).

4.2 Age and Health Status

Aging and certain health conditions can alter skin structure and function, potentially reducing its capacity for oxygen absorption. For instance, compromised skin barrier integrity may impair oxygen diffusion (Stücker et al., 2004).

5. Cutaneous Oxygen Uptake in Aquatic Environments

In aquatic settings, the skin's role in oxygen absorption is further diminished:

  • Oxygen Solubility: Water contains significantly less dissolved oxygen compared to air, reducing the gradient necessary for diffusion.

  • Diffusion Rate: Oxygen diffuses approximately 10,000 times slower in water than in air, hindering effective gas exchange (Stücker et al., 2004).

Consequently, submerged human skin absorbs even less oxygen, emphasizing the necessity of pulmonary respiration for aquatic survival.

6. Physiological Significance

Despite its limited capacity, cutaneous oxygen uptake plays a role in:

  • Epidermal Metabolism: Supporting cellular respiration in the outermost skin layers.

  • Wound Healing: Facilitating repair processes in superficial skin injuries.

  • Immune Defense: Contributing to the production of reactive oxygen species that combat pathogens (Stücker et al., 2004).

7. Conclusion

While human skin's ability to absorb atmospheric oxygen is minimal, it serves supplementary functions in skin health and response to environmental changes. Understanding the dynamics of cutaneous oxygen uptake enhances our comprehension of skin physiology and its interactions with the environment.

References

  1. Stücker, M., Struk, A., Altmeyer, P., Herde, M., Baumgärtl, H., & Lübbers, D. (2002). The cutaneous uptake of atmospheric oxygen contributes significantly to the oxygen supply of human dermis and epidermis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 118(4), 601–606. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0022-202X.2002.01603.x

  2. Stücker, M., Moll, C., & Altmeyer, P. (2004). Cutaneous oxygen supply. With special consideration of skin uptake of oxygen from the atmosphere. Hautarzt, 55(3), 273–279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-003-0662-7

  3. Whitehouse, A. G. R. (1932). The osmotic passage of water and gases through the skin. Journal of Cellular and Comparative Physiology, 1(3), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.1030010303

  4. Reading, S. A. (2012). Oxygen absorption by skin exposed to water with high dissolved oxygen content. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 90(4), 507–510. https://doi.org/10.1139/y2012-020

  5. King, R. D. (1978). The effect of occlusion on carbon dioxide emission from the skin. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 58(3), 245–248. https://doi.org/10.2340/0001555578583245

  6. Dorit, R. L., Walker, W. F., & Barnes, R. D. (2002). Zoology (6th ed.). Saunders College Publishing.

  7. Kardong, K. V. (2002). Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

  8. Hudson, N. (2017). NIOSH skin notation profiles: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/47587

  9. Spaul, W. A. (1983). Oxygen diffusion in water. NASA Technical Paper, 1–10. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19840002664/downloads/19840002664.pdf

  10. Lebas, E. (2020). Exploratory assessment of oxygen flow–assisted LP3-MTX3% for treating superficial skin cancers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34(3), e116–e118. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16122

  11. Chettouh-Hammas, N. (2024). Physiological skin oxygen levels: An important criterion for skin tissue engineering. Journal of Dermatological Science, 75(2), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2024.06.001

  12. Johnson, P. H., Raven, G. B., & Barnes, R. D. (2002). Advanced Biology (2nd ed.). Nelson Thornes.

  13. Tattersall, G. (2007). Skin breathing in amphibians. In Endothelial Biomedicine (pp. 123–134). Cambridge University Press.

  14. Reid, R. C., Praunsnitz, J. M., & Sherwood, T. K. (1977). The Properties of Gases and Liquids (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

  15. Bird, R. B., Stewart, W. E., & Lightfoot, E. N. (1960). Transport Phenomena. John Wiley & Sons.

  16. Weast, R. C. (1969). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (50th ed.). CRC Press.

  17. Reid, R. C., Praunsnitz, J. M., & Sherwood, T. K. (1977). The Properties of Gases and Liquids (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

  18. Dorit, R. L., Walker, W. F., & Barnes, R. D. (2002). Zoology (6th ed.). Saunders College Publishing.

  19. Kardong, K. V. (2002). Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

  20. Hudson, N. (2017). NIOSH skin notation profiles: Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/47587

Keywords: cutaneous oxygen uptake, skin physiology, oxygen diffusion, epidermis, dermis, environmental factors, measurement techniques, aquatic environments, skin health, gas exchange


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