Skin biology, xerosis, barrier repair and measurement

The skin is a key protective barrier from the environment for terrestrial mammals and is one in a continuous state of renewal and repair. Impairment of skin barrier function is often demonstrated by an altered integrity of the stratum corneum (SC) and a consequential increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin barrier function impairment often arises from direct damage followed by a breach in the SC and/or a decrease in or dysfunction of SC lipids. The most common dermatological disorder is dry and flaky skin. This arises from direct damage to the SC with potential mechanical failure and from an impairment in SC cell (corneocyte) maturation and its desquamation together with a decrease in the water holding capacity of the SC. Dry and flaky skin is associated with a range of pathological and physiological abnormalities and can be treated with moisturizers, especially those which enhance SC barrier function. This paper gives a brief overview of the work conducted in this area of science over the past decade.

Section editor:Michael Roberts – School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia