When a gel combining chitosan and glycolic acid was applied to skin samples in the lab, it increased chloride and water movement into skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. This happened both immediately (within 15 seconds) and over 24 hours, suggesting the combo may help with hydration and skin regeneration by gently stimulating specific ion channels.
Researchers tested a chitosan-glycolic acid gel on skin tissue samples in a controlled lab setting, measuring electrical potential and resistance to understand how it affected ion transport and skin barrier function.
Funding not disclosed in abstract