Skin barrier permeability

Skin barrier permeability refers to the ability of the skin—specifically the stratum corneum—to regulate passage of water and solutes between the internal and external environments. The permeability barrier is chiefly provided by the lipid-rich, lamellar structure between corneocytes (the "mortar" between "brick" cells) and specialized envelope proteins. This barrier prevents excessive water loss (transepidermal water loss) and protects against invasion by allergens, microbes, and environmental toxins. Disruption of the barrier can result in increased inflammation, infection, and a predisposition to various skin and systemic diseases. Restoration or maintenance of barrier function is a major focus in dermatology and is directly targeted by moisturizers, topical lipids, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Other names

epidermal permeability barrierskin barrier functionstratum corneum barrier

Hydration/restoration of lipids/proteins (emollients and barrier creams)\nAnti-inflammatory modulation (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors affect cytokine milieu and can promote barrier repair)\nRegulation of keratinocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis[4]