Stratum Corneum Moisturization at the Molecular Level
Abridged from the Dermatology Progress in Foundation Dermatology Editor: Alan N. Moshell , MD. Stratum Corneum Moisturization at the Molecular Level Anthony V. Rawlings, Ian R. Scott, Clive R. Harding, * and Paul A. Bowsed Unilever Research, Edgewater Laboratory, Edgewater, N ew Jersey, U .S.A.; ' Unilevcr Research, Colworth Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedford; and tUnilever Research, Port Sunlight Laboratory, Bebington, Wirral, U.K. n any living system, control of water translocation is essential corneocytes embedded in a lipid matrix (see Fig 1). The main func for survival. Being in close proximity to a non-aqueous envi tion of the epidermis is to produce the stratum corneum; a selec ronment this control is a fundamental property of our skin tively permeable outer layer that protects against water loss and and it uses mechanisms that are complex, elegant, and unique chemical insult. However, as will become evident from this review, in nature to achieve it. the barrier function of the stratum corneum is not its only function. IThe skin preserves water through intercellular occlusion (water The combination of the barrier properties of the stratum corneum permeability barrier) and cellular humectancy (natural moisturizing and its inherent cellular humectant capabilities moisturize the stra factor or NMF). The mechanisms for producing the water perme tum corneum, which is important for maintaining the flexibility of ability barrier and NMF are not only complex but also susceptible to the stratum corneum and its desquamation. The most characterized disturbance and perturbation. components of the stratum corneum are keratins, specialized cor This review begins with an overview of the vast amount of work neocyte envelope proteins, lipids, NMF, specialized adhesion struc that has led to a greater understanding of the mechanisms of mois tures (desmosomes), and enzymes.
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