Epidermal hydration regulation

"Epidermal hydration regulation" describes the collective cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the epidermis preserves water balance, chiefly via the action of natural moisturizing factors (NMF) generated from filaggrin breakdown, intercellular lipids forming a water-impermeable matrix, and membrane transport proteins such as aquaporin-3, which facilitate water and glycerol transport between skin layers. Disruption of this process is central to dry skin diseases, impaired barrier function, and susceptibility to skin inflammation and infection. Defective hydration regulation is associated with higher risk of barrier dysfunction, allergen penetration, and secondary infections[1][2][4][6].

Other names

Skin hydrationStratum corneum hydrationEpidermal water homeostasisSkin water barrier

Not applicable to the process as an individual drug target, but drugs/moisturizers may function by increasing NMF, restoring intercellular lipids, or modulating aquaporin channels[5].