Skin Conductance
Skin conductance — also called galvanic skin response (GSR) or electrodermal activity (EDA) — is the measure of the electrical conductance of the skin surface, which varies with moisture content and autonomic nervous system activation. Higher skin conductance indicates more moisture (sweat) and stronger sympathetic nervous system activation. Lower skin conductance indicates drier skin and more parasympathetic dominance. Skin conductance is relevant to grounding products in two ways. First, as a measurement of autonomic state: some preliminary grounding research uses skin conductance as a proxy for autonomic nervous system balance, with grounding-induced shifts toward parasympathetic dominance expected to produce measurable skin conductance changes. Second, as a practical conductivity factor: the moisture in skin during grounding contact is what allows the electrical connection to establish between the skin surface and the conductive grounding product surface. Dry skin has lower conductance and establishes a less efficient grounding connection than adequately moisturised skin — which is why the recommendation to avoid heavy lotion before grounding contact is about preventing insulating product residue, not about keeping skin dry. Naturally moist skin during sleep or exercise creates the best conductivity conditions for grounding contact without any special preparation.