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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:00
Measuring and Modeling Contractile Drying in Human Stratum Corneum
Published on: March 1, 2017
Understanding natural moisturizing mechanisms: implications for moisturizer technology
Prem Chandar1, Greg Nole, Anthony W Johnson
1Unilever Research and Development, Trumbull, Connecticut, USA.
Cutis
|August 26, 2009
Summary
Dry skin affects many, but can be managed. New insights into the filaggrin-natural moisturizing factor (NMF) system offer potential for advanced moisturization technologies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Skin Physiology
Background:
- Dry skin impacts quality of life for many individuals.
- Impaired stratum corneum (SC) protection processes and environmental factors contribute to dry skin.
- The SC's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) system is crucial for skin hydration but is complex and easily disrupted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the importance of the filaggrin-NMF system in healthy and dry skin.
- To explore the composition of NMF in different skin conditions.
- To reveal new insights for next-generation moisturizing technologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on the filaggrin-NMF system.
- Analysis of NMF composition in healthy versus dry skin.
- Identification of key properties for novel moisturizing agents.
Main Results:
- The filaggrin-NMF system plays a vital role in maintaining skin hydration.
- NMF composition varies significantly between healthy and dry skin.
- Understanding these variations provides a basis for developing more effective moisturizers.
Conclusions:
- The filaggrin-NMF pathway is central to skin hydration and dry skin pathogenesis.
- Targeting the NMF system holds promise for improved management of dry skin conditions.
- Future moisturizing technologies should focus on restoring or enhancing the SC's natural moisturizing capabilities.
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