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Published on: October 20, 2023
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The relationship between skin function, barrier properties, and body-dependent factors.
A K Dąbrowska1,2, F Spano1, S Derler1
1Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Summary
Human skin properties vary significantly due to factors like age, gender, and ethnicity, impacting its barrier function. Understanding these variations is crucial for appreciating skin
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Human Physiology
- Skin Biology
Background:
- Skin acts as a vital multilayer interface, regulating temperature, water transport, sensation, and environmental protection.
- It serves as the body's primary defense against external elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of factors influencing human skin characteristics.
- To describe skin diversity, its causes, consequences, and barrier function limitations.
- To explore mechanisms of skin absorption.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vivo investigations.
- Focus on diversity in skin characteristics and barrier properties.
- Analysis of body-dependent factors.
Main Results:
- Skin properties exhibit variation based on age, gender, ethnicity, and skin type.
- Characteristics differ by body site and are influenced by body-mass index and lifestyle.
- Despite its barrier function, skin permits the absorption of certain substances.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors can modify human skin properties, affecting its function.
- Alterations in skin properties can impact overall well-being and quality of life.
- Skin properties and function are intrinsically interconnected.
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