Which statement correctly describes the effect of low humidity on the skin?

Which statement correctly describes the effect of low humidity on the skin?

• A. Increases water content in the stratum corneum
• B. Low humidity influences water content in the stratum corneum, inflammation, elasticity, and fine wrinkles
• C. Decreases inflammation
• D. Eliminates fine lines

Answer: (B)

Low humidity dries the skin by lowering the water content of the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer that acts as a barrier. When this layer loses moisture, its barrier function weakens and transepidermal water loss increases. This dehydration can make the skin feel tight, rough, and more prone to irritation. It also reduces skin turgor and elasticity, so fine lines become more noticeable. In sensitive or compromised skin, barrier disruption can trigger or worsen inflammation. So this statement captures how low humidity affects moisture in the stratum corneum, inflammation, elasticity, and the appearance of fine wrinkles. The other options describe effects that aren’t characteristic of low humidity—water content wouldn’t increase, inflammation isn’t typically reduced, and dryness doesn’t eliminate fine lines.

Low humidity dries the skin by lowering the water content of the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer that acts as a barrier. When this layer loses moisture, its barrier function weakens and transepidermal water loss increases. This dehydration can make the skin feel tight, rough, and more prone to irritation. It also reduces skin turgor and elasticity, so fine lines become more noticeable. In sensitive or compromised skin, barrier disruption can trigger or worsen inflammation. So this statement captures how low humidity affects moisture in the stratum corneum, inflammation, elasticity, and the appearance of fine wrinkles. The other options describe effects that aren’t characteristic of low humidity—water content wouldn’t increase, inflammation isn’t typically reduced, and dryness doesn’t eliminate fine lines.