Stratum corneum intercellular lipids and corneocyte adhesion structures

The stratum corneum intercellular lipids and corneocyte adhesion structures constitute the functional brick and mortar model of the skin's outermost layer. The bricks are the corneocytes, which are held together by mortar consisting of intercellular lipid lamellae (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) and proteinaceous bridges called corneodesmosomes (StatPearls, Physiology, Stratum Corneum). This complex structure is essential for maintaining the epidermal permeability barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and protecting against environmental insults and pathogens (PubMed, PMID: 16120145). In pathological states such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, alterations in lipid composition or defective degradation of adhesion structures lead to barrier failure and inflammation (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2005). Therapeutic strategies target this complex through the topical application of barrier-repair lipids or keratolytic agents that modulate cell adhesion to facilitate desquamation (PubMed, PMID: 24656726). This target is a composite of multiple molecular entities rather than a single receptor or enzyme, making it a physiological target for dermatological therapy.

Other names

Skin barrierEpidermal permeability barrierCorneocyte-lipid matrixCorneodesmosomes and lipid lamellae

Barrier restoration via lipid replenishment, keratolysis through proteolysis of adhesion proteins, and humectancy to increase water content.