Stratum corneum lipids serve as a bound-water modulator

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biophysics
• Skin barrier function

Background:

• Stratum corneum lipids play a vital role in the skin's water-holding capacity.
• Understanding lipid function is key to addressing skin hydration issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of stratum corneum lipids in skin hydration.
• To examine hydration changes after lipid depletion and replenishment.

Main Methods:

• Used isolated human forearm stratum corneum sheets.
• Employed differential scanning calorimetry and electron microscopy.
• Performed lipid extraction and subsequent lipid replenishment.

Main Results:

• Lipid depletion significantly reduced bound-water content.
• Water extraction removed soluble materials but didn't affect bound water.
• Lipid replenishment restored bound-water content and lamellar structures.

Conclusions:

• Stratum corneum lipids are essential for maintaining skin hydration.
• Lipids form lamellar structures crucial for the skin's water-holding function.
• Restoring lipid lamellar structures is key to recovering skin hydration.