Over the last 35 years, synthetic detergents have becomeincreasingly important as skin cleansing agents. With thevast range of soaps and synthetic cleansers availablenowadays, doctors and pharmacists are expectedto advise onhow to cleanse normal as well as diseased skins. Soundadvice must include knowledge of the nature, composition,and action of the available surfactants and cleanserpreparations, the physiology and pathophysiology of the skinsurface, the microbial ecology ofthe skin, and the factorsthat control the skin flora. Much of this knowledge is theresult of recent research. Health care professionals must befamiliar, not only with the benefits, but also with thepossible adverse effects of synthetic detergents on thehuman skin (roughness, water loss, etc.) and on theenvironment. This monograph draws upon the expertise ofnumerous scientists to present a comprehensive view of thesubject.

The Use of Synthetic Detergents for Skin Cleansing Historical Background

From Soap Avoidance to Skin Cleansing with Synthetic Detergents - Moving into the Clinical Dimension
Skin Cleanser Chemistry of the Chemistry of Synthetic Detergents
Synthetic Detergents - Syndets - the Concept
Soap - Chemical Constituents
Synthetic Cleansers - Chemical Constituents
Composition of Commercial Synthetic Skin Cleansers
The Use of Synthetic Detergents in Oral Hygiene Products - Effects on the Gingiva
Physiological and Pathophysiological Aspects of the Use of Synthetic Detergents for Skin Cleansing Skin pH
The Physics of pH and Surface pH Measurement
Determination of Skin Surface pH in Healthy Subjects Methods and Results of Clinical Studies
Skin Surface pH in the Population at Large Measured Data and Correlation with Other Parameters
Skin Flora
Principles of Bacterial Ecology
Composition of the Skin Flora
Marchionini's Acid Mantle Concept and the Effect on the Skin Resident Flora of Washing with Skin Cleansing Agents of Different pH
In-Vitro Control of the Growth of Important Bacteria of the Resident Skin Flora by Changes in pH
Skin Surface Structure
Structure of Human Skin, and Influence of Environmental Factors Such as pH on the Growth of Keratinocytes - Results of Cell Culture Experiments
Skin Roughness - Measuring Methods and Dependence on Washing Procedure
Skin Hydration (Transepidermal Water Loss) - Measuring Methods and Dependence on Washing Procedure
Beneficial Effects of Synthetic Detergent Cleansers in Human Trials Under Simulated Use Conditions
Cleansing Action of Synthetic Detergents - Methodology of Determination
Clinical Assessment of Synthetic Detergent Cleansers in Subjects with Problem Skin
AdjuvantTreatment with Synthetic Detergent Preparations in Atopic Dermatitis
The Use of Synthetic Skin Cleansers in Neonates and Infants
Unwanted Effects of Synthetic Detergent Cleansers when Used in Normal or in Diseased Skin
Allergological Evaluation of Synthetic Skin Cleansers
Factors Involved in the Irritancy Testing of Synthetic Cleanser Constituents
Quality Assurance and Environmental Aspects of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers
Biopharmaceutical Aspects of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers
Quality Control of Synthetic Detergent Cleansers
Environmental Aspects of Synthetic Detergent Preparations
The Use of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers
The Use of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers - The Cosmetic Chemists's View
The Use of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers - The Community Pharmacist's View
The Use of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers - The General Practitioner's View
The Use of Synthetic Detergent Skin Cleansers - The Consultant Dermatologist's View.