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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
What are Lipids?01:38

What are Lipids?

Overview
What are Lipids?01:31

What are Lipids?

Lipids function as structural components of cellular membranes, in addition to acting as energy reservoirs and signaling molecules. They are thus crucial to all living organisms.  The three biologically important classes of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
Non-Polar and Hydrophobic Characteristics of Lipids
Lipids are a structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrocarbons—compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds...
What are Lipids?01:31

What are Lipids?

Lipids function as structural components of cellular membranes, in addition to acting as energy reservoirs and signaling molecules. They are thus crucial to all living organisms.  The three biologically important classes of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
Non-Polar and Hydrophobic Characteristics of Lipids
Lipids are a structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrocarbons—compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds...
What are Lipids?01:38

What are Lipids?

Overview

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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
09:18

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Published on: September 5, 2013

Skin lipids.

G Brooks1, B Idson

  • 170 Tyler Place, Brooks Industries, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080 USA.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science
|March 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The stratum corneum (SC) functions as a two-compartment system, with epidermal lipids crucial for skin barrier properties and water balance. Lipid composition changes during differentiation, impacting skin hydration and aging.

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
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Published on: September 5, 2013

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Skin Physiology

Background:

  • The stratum corneum (SC) is now understood as a two-compartment system, not just a protective film.
  • Epidermal lipids play a vital role in the skin's barrier function, water retention, and permeability.
  • SC barrier integrity relies on lipid lamellae, while pliability depends on a balance of lipids, water, and soluble substances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional roles of the stratum corneum and its lipid components.
  • To understand how lipid composition changes during mammalian differentiation and aging.
  • To investigate the impact of essential fatty acids on skin barrier function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current concepts on stratum corneum structure and function.
  • Analysis of lipid composition changes during epidermal differentiation.
  • Examination of the effects of lipid deficiencies and fatty acid balance on skin barrier properties.

Main Results:

  • Stratum corneum comprises protein-enriched cells within intercellular lipids, forming a critical barrier.
  • Epidermal lipids are essential for water-holding, water uptake, permeability, cohesion, and desquamation.
  • Lipid composition shifts during differentiation, with enrichment in ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, and depletion of phospholipids and glycosphingolipids.
  • Sphingolipids are key for water retention; their decrease is noted in aged skin.
  • Essential fatty acid deficiency impairs the barrier, increasing water loss and causing dryness.
  • Optimal barrier function is achieved with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, influenced by water content.

Conclusions:

  • The stratum corneum's barrier function is critically dependent on its lipid lamellar structure.
  • Maintaining the correct balance of epidermal lipids, water, and hygroscopic substances is vital for skin pliability and barrier integrity.
  • Age-related changes in sphingolipid content and essential fatty acid balance significantly affect skin barrier function and hydration.