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Related Concept Videos

Cells of the Epidermis01:24

Cells of the Epidermis

The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical 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...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells01:12

Renewal 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,...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Layers of the Epidermis01:21

Layers of the Epidermis

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Separation of Rat Epidermis and Dermis with Thermolysin to Detect Site-Specific Inflammatory mRNA and Protein
08:45

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Topical proteolytic enzymes affect epidermal and dermal properties.

W P Smith1, M Bishop, G Gillis

  • 1Dermac Inc., New Canaan, CT 06840, USA. wpsmith123@aol.com

International Journal of Cosmetic Science
|May 21, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Proteolytic enzymes in skincare significantly improve skin appearance by altering epidermal and dermal properties over time. Continued use offers lasting benefits beyond superficial exfoliation.

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Separation of Rat Epidermis and Dermis with Thermolysin to Detect Site-Specific Inflammatory mRNA and Protein
08:45

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Published on: September 29, 2021

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Published on: January 17, 2025

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale
08:49

Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Published on: May 28, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cosmetic Science

Background:

  • Proteolytic enzymes are used in skincare, but their long-term effects on skin properties are unclear.
  • It remains uncertain if they cause superficial exfoliation or induce lasting epidermal and dermal changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if an aspartyl dependent acid protease enhances exfoliation and improves skin appearance.
  • To determine if continued use alters epidermal and dermal properties over time.

Main Methods:

  • Participants applied a 15% enzyme serum and moisturizer twice daily for 3 months.
  • A control group used a non-enzyme serum and moisturizer.
  • Skin properties were assessed double-blindly, evaluating smoothness, texture, wrinkles, and firmness.

Main Results:

  • The enzyme treatment group showed significant epidermal improvements after 1 month.
  • Both epidermal and dermal properties improved significantly after 3 months.
  • The control group exhibited only minor surface property improvements.

Conclusions:

  • Exfoliative proteolytic enzymes provide significant aesthetic benefits through epidermal and dermal changes.
  • These improvements are comparable to those seen with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
  • Proteolytic enzymes offer a viable option for enhancing skin properties beyond superficial exfoliation.