Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:32
Building Up Skin Models for Numerous Applications - from Two-Dimensional (2D) Monoculture to Three-Dimensional (3D) Multiculture
Published on: October 20, 2023
Galenical principles in skin protection.
Jin Zhang1, Eric W Smith, Christian Surber
1College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C., USA.
Current Problems in Dermatology
|February 22, 2007
Summary
Dermatological formulations are advancing scientifically, focusing on drug delivery via skin appendages and enhancers. Future protective topical products require technological breakthroughs for optimized skin protection and drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmaceutics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Topical formulations have evolved from empirical methods to a scientific discipline.
- Drug delivery via topical vehicles is highly variable and depends on formulation.
- Research explores drug uptake through skin appendages and enhancement systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific advancements in dermatological formulations.
- To discuss challenges in developing protective topical agents.
- To highlight future directions in topical drug delivery technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent research in dermatological formulations.
- Analysis of drug delivery mechanisms through skin appendages.
- Evaluation of penetration enhancement systems (chemical and physical).
Main Results:
- Topical drug delivery is complex, with variable potential across different vehicles.
- Penetration enhancement systems aim to improve drug passage through the skin.
- Current protective formulations are often condition-specific due to technological limitations.
Conclusions:
- Developing universal guidelines for protective dermatological formulations is challenging.
- Technological advancements in formulation engineering are needed.
- Future developments may include perfected chemical enhancers or particulate-scavenging vehicles, pending toxicity evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:25Introduction to the Integumentary System
The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...