Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation

Pigmentation

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...

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

Changes 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...

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...

Surface Membrane Barriers

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...

Abnormal Proliferation

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Baseline Gut Microbiome-Metabolome Signatures Are Associated with Drinking Severity and Reduction Following Dutasteride Treatment in Alcohol Use Disorder.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2026

Same author

Prevalence and impact of solar lentigines: An international survey.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2026

Same author

Patterns of regret for inadequate sun protection: A population-based study [HELIOS].

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2026

Same author

[Expert consensus on the treatment timing calender of congenital ear malformation with multiple malformations].

Zhonghua er bi yan hou tou jing wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery·2025

Same author

Development of a multi-channel mm-wave interferometer for the versatile experiment spherical torus (VEST).

The Review of scientific instruments·2025

Same author

The Ideal Physical Therapist from the Perspective of Individuals With Limb Loss.

Canadian prosthetics & orthotics journal·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma

Published on: January 19, 2024

Defective barrier function in melasma skin.

D J Lee¹, J Lee, J Ha

¹Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV

|November 15, 2011

Summary

Melasma affects skin barrier function, leading to impaired integrity and delayed recovery. This study reveals significant differences in skin hydration and water loss in melasma lesions.

More Related Videos

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Rapid Generation of Primary Murine Melanocyte and Fibroblast Cultures

Rapid Generation of Primary Murine Melanocyte and Fibroblast Cultures

Published on: June 26, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma

Published on: January 19, 2024

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Rapid Generation of Primary Murine Melanocyte and Fibroblast Cultures

Rapid Generation of Primary Murine Melanocyte and Fibroblast Cultures

Published on: June 26, 2019

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Skin Physiology
Biophysics

Background:

Melasma presents with hyperpigmentation and photodamage, including solar elastosis.
Microarray analysis indicated downregulated lipid metabolism genes in melasma.
This suggests altered biophysical properties and skin barrier function in affected skin.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the distinct cutaneous biophysical characteristics of melasma.
To compare lesional skin with adjacent healthy skin in melasma patients.

Main Methods:

Quantified melanin index, erythema index, stratum corneum hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in 16 melasma patients.
Assessed stratum corneum thickness and protein expression of PPAR-α and ALOX15B via skin biopsy in 11 patients.

Main Results:

Lesional skin showed significantly higher melanin, erythema, and hydration levels.
Basal TEWL and sebum content did not differ, but lesional skin exhibited increased TEWL post-perturbation and delayed barrier recovery.
A trend towards thinner stratum corneum in lesional skin correlated with slower barrier recovery.

Conclusions:

Melasma skin exhibits compromised stratum corneum integrity.
Delayed barrier recovery is a key characteristic of melasma-affected skin.