Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma
04:12

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
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

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.

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.

More Related Videos

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model12:37

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 Cultures06:32

Rapid Generation of Primary Murine Melanocyte and Fibroblast Cultures

Published on: June 26, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

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 Cancer01:30

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 Perspectives01:14

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 Disorders01:23

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 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...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

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...