Category
Foundations
56 entries
- Melanogenesisthe biological process by which melanocytes produce melanin, driven by the enzyme tyrosinase and triggered by factors such as UV exposure. It takes place...
- Melanin and Skin Pigmentationthe natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes that determines skin, hair, and eye color and helps protect skin from ultraviolet radiation. Its amount...
- Glycosaminoglycanslong chains of sugar molecules found in the extracellular matrix that attract and hold water, giving the dermis its cushioning and hydration. Hyaluronic acid...
- Hyaluronic Acid in the Skina naturally occurring sugar-based molecule in the dermis that can hold a large amount of water relative to its weight, helping keep skin hydrated...
- The Extracellular Matrixthe network of proteins and molecules that surrounds skin cells and provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding tissue. In the dermis it...
- Elastina stretchy structural protein in the dermis that allows skin to snap back into place after being stretched or compressed. It works alongside collagen,...
- Types of Collagen in Skinthe several distinct collagen varieties found in skin, of which types I and III are the most prominent in the dermis. Each type has...
- Collagenthe most abundant protein in the body and the main structural component of the skin's dermis, forming a fibrous network that gives skin its...
- Cholesterol and Fatty Acids in Skintwo lipid components that, together with ceramides, build the protective barrier of the outermost skin layer. Cholesterol adds fluidity and structure while free fatty...
- Ceramides in the Skin Barriera family of lipid molecules that make up a large share of the outermost skin layer and help hold skin cells together like mortar...
- Skin Lipidsthe fats that structure and protect the skin, including the ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids that fill the spaces between surface cells. Together...
- Sebum and the Sebaceous Glandsthe skin's oil-producing system, in which sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles secrete a waxy, lipid-rich substance called sebum. Sebum helps lubricate and waterproof...
- Desquamationthe natural, controlled shedding of dead cells from the outermost layer of the skin. This process is regulated by enzymes that break the bonds...
- Cell Turnoverthe process by which the skin produces new cells in its deeper layers and sheds mature cells from the surface. Efficient turnover supports smooth...
- The Skin Renewal Cyclethe ongoing process by which skin generates new cells in its lower layers and sheds older cells from the surface. This continuous renewal keeps...
- Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)a group of water-soluble compounds within the outer skin cells that attract and hold moisture, keeping the surface hydrated and supple. It includes amino...
- Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)the natural process by which water moves from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface and evaporates into the air. A certain...
- Skin pHa measure of how acidic or alkaline the skin's surface is, typically sitting on the slightly acidic side of the scale in healthy skin....
- The Acid Mantlea thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin formed from sebum, sweat, fatty acids, and byproducts of the skin microbiome. It...
- The Skin Microbiomethe community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin and within its follicles and glands. This...
- Langerhans Cellsspecialized immune cells found within the epidermis that act as sentinels, detecting and responding to foreign substances, microbes, and allergens. They capture these invaders...
- Melanocytesspecialized cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melanin also helps...
- Fibroblaststhe primary cells of the dermis, responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix that give skin its structure and...
- Keratinocytesthe predominant cell type of the epidermis, responsible for producing keratin, the protein that gives skin its strength and protective barrier. They form in...
