Skin Sim

The Skin Sim app uses a statistical model plus local climate data to simulate indoor drying stresses on skin. This is the first app of its kind to provide people with insights regarding how such stresses impact their skin across the seasons. BACKGROUND People cannot sense the magnitude of drying stresses on skin, and therefore it is not easy to proactively deal with the impacts of skin dehydration. Therefore, monitoring or predicting changes in dermal stresses can help inform skin-care practices in a timely manner. SKIN-CARE DIAGNOSTICS The Skin Sim app provides estimates of the Dry Skin Index, which represents the external stresses on skin due to changes in both indoor temperature and relative humidity.  A key simulation shows the estimated level of the Dry Skin Index for a detached residence at the location entered by the user, based on current weather conditions. Subsequent simulations depict seasonal changes in drying stresses plus a statistical overview. WHO IS THIS APP FOR? There are three key groups who would find this app informative and useful: 1) individuals who need help dealing with seasonal dry skin or aging skin, 2) skin-care professionals (e.g., dermatologists and estheticians) who would benefit from knowing the local indoor drying stresses their customers/patients are exposed to, and 3) companies selling moisturizers or room humidifiers. Each of these groups would benefit from a knowledge of the seasonal stresses on skin in order to improve skin care applicable to specific geographic locations.