Researchers have developed a compact, near-infrared (NIR) skin sensor that objectively tracks hydration levels in atopic dermatitis (AD), distinguishing affected skin from healthy skin and detecting rapid hydration changes after moisturizer use. The study, published in Analytical Chemistry on July 15, 2026, was led by scientists at Northwestern University.
The sensor uses NIR light to measure water content in the skin's stratum corneum, the outermost layer. In tests on 30 participants with mild to moderate AD, the device accurately identified dry patches and monitored hydration changes over 24 hours after application of a standard moisturizer. The sensor's readings correlated well with clinical assessments by dermatologists.
Current methods for assessing skin hydration in AD rely on subjective visual scales or bulky, expensive equipment. The new sensor is about the size of a coin and could be integrated into wearable devices for continuous monitoring. This could help patients and doctors adjust treatment in real time.
Lead author Dr. Sarah Kim noted, 'This technology offers an objective, non-invasive way to track skin health at home, which could improve management of atopic dermatitis.' The team plans further studies to test the sensor in larger populations and explore its use in other skin conditions.
