The Physiology of the Skin

The Skin, the largest organ in the human body, has a surface area between 1.5 and 2 square metres. It accounts for 16% of total body weight. Considered one of the most important organs of the body, the skin protects from harmful substances, insulates and regulates temperature.

The Hydrolipid Film

An emulsion of water (hydro) and fat (lipos), the hydrolipid film covers the skin surface acting as an external barrier defending against bacteria and fungi. Healthy skin maintains a balance between oil and moisture, which makes skin supple. More...

Epidermal Lipids

Apart from corneocytes, the epidermal lipids are a central element of the skin's barrier function. They form the "mortar", or horny layer cell cement, that goes between the "bricks" - the corneocytes. More...

The Protective Acid Mantle

Due to the presence of weak acidic components, the aqueous portion of the hydrolipid film forms the protective acid mantle, which fulfils three important skin functions. More...

The Skin's Immune System

The body's own defense against microorganisms begins directly on the skin surface. Special fatty acids from the sebaceous glands and the secretions of certain bacteria belonging to the physiological skin flora inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. More...

Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF's) and Surface Lipids

The most important substance for the suppleness of the skin is water. In young skin, water content of the upper horny layer accounts for between 10 and 20 percent of the water in the entire body. More...

Regeneration and Repair Mechanisms

The skin has various regeneration and repair mechanisms. These are employed to eliminate any damage caused by external influences and to restore lost function.More...

Protective Functions At a Glance

The skin protects the body from mechanical, chemical, microbial and physical influences. More...

Skin Cell Energy

Like the other body tissues, the cells of the skin need energy to maintain their vital functions, their ability to regenerate and repair themselves as well as to grow. This energy comes from intracellular metabolic processes. More...