Abstract:The stratum corneum layer of the skin plays critical roles in maintaining the integrity of skin structure and barrier function. Its noninvasive monitoring is therefore very important. In this in vivo study, the mouse ear was used as a model. The acetonemediated exfoliating process was monitored by timedomain optical coherence tomography (TDOCT). Results demonstrated that OCT imaging could be used to obtain the thickness of the stratum corneum layer and to monitor the exfoliating process. OCT imaging has clinical potentials in studying the structure and function of skin barrier.