Mechanisms and protective strategies for astronaut skin injury in deep space environments.
10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2025.250443
- Author:
Yifei XIE
1
;
Jinrong ZENG
2
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China. 1127158108@qq.com.
2. Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China. zengjinrong1989@csu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
deep space environment;
lunar dust;
microbiome;
microgravity;
radiation;
skin protection strategies
- MeSH:
Humans;
Astronauts;
Skin/radiation effects*;
Space Flight;
Weightlessness/adverse effects*;
Wound Healing;
Extraterrestrial Environment
- From:
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences)
2025;50(8):1346-1354
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
With the continuous advancement of deep space exploration missions, maintaining astronaut skin health has become a critical medical issue affecting the safety and effectiveness of long-duration missions. Deep space environmental stressors, including microgravity, ionizing radiation, lunar dust exposure, and microbiome dysbiosis, can synergistically disrupt the skin barrier structure, leading to immune homeostasis imbalance and impaired wound healing. In recent years, research on skin protection in deep space has gradually evolved into a systematic "multi-dimensional integrated protective" framework. From the engineering protection perspective, optimization of multi-layer composite spacesuit structures, the use of hydrogen-rich and boron-containing shielding materials, as well as cabin temperature-humidity regulation and debris-resistant technologies, have greatly enhanced environmental defense capacity. From the biomedical protection perspective, functional hydrogels, antimicrobial dressings, and active compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine have demonstrated remarkable potential in repairing the skin barrier, modulating immunity, and providing antioxidant defense. Meanwhile, the development of skin microecological interventions and wearable physiological monitoring systems has fostered a trend toward personalized health management. Future research should focus on elucidating the interactive mechanisms among the space environment, skin, and immune barrier, while exploring intelligent monitoring and nanotechnology-based protection strategies. Establishing a predictive and preventive skin health safeguarding system will provide comprehensive medical support for future deep space missions.
