Although a very fragile structure, the skin barrier is probably one of the most important organs of the body. Inward/out it is responsible for body integrity and outward/in for keeping microbes, chemicals, and allergens from penetrating the skin. Since the role of barrier integrity in atopic dermatitis and the relationship to filaggrin mutations was discovered a decade ago, research focus has been on the skin barrier, and numerous new publications have become available. This book is an interdisciplinary update offering a wide range of information on the subject. It covers new basic research on skin markers, including results on filaggrin and on methods for the assessment of the barrier function. Biological variation and aspects of skin barrier function restoration are discussed as well. Further sections are dedicated to clinical implications of skin barrier integrity, factors influencing the penetration of the skin, influence of wet work, and guidance for prevention and saving the barrier. Distinguished researchers have contributed to this book, providing a comprehensive and thorough overview of the skin barrier function. Researchers in the field, dermatologists, occupational physicians, and related industry will find this publication an essential source of information.

A must-have reference for any researcher or scientist interested in cutaneous protective mechanisms, this guide provides expertly researched chapters on every aspect of stratum corneum structure, function, and development, as well as detailed sections on barrier-repair strategies and the role of barrier function in diseases such as atopic dermatiti

This extraordinary reference describes the scientific basis, summarizes the existing evidence that functional food for skin really works, and addresses the key questions asked by dermatologists and patients when it comes to practical aspects of nutrition based strategies in clinical and cosmetical dermatology. It is believed that this helpful guide will become the golden standard, the ‘bible’ for this given topic, which will be used by dermatologists, industry people and interested patients.

Nutritional cosmetics is an emerging area of intense research and marketing and encompasses the concept that orally consumed dietary products can support healthier and more beautiful skin. There are numerous dietary ingredients now being marketed for their potential skin health and beauty benefits and many of these are supported by growing scientific evidence. The purpose of this book is to compile the scientific evidence showing the potential benefits of some of the more extensively researched ingredients. As far as possible, information about the benefits of ingredients consumed orally for skin health is presented. The information contained in this book will help provide insights into an emerging research area and provide scientific background for the potential clinical effectiveness for some of the better researched nutricosmetic ingredients. ABOUT THE EDITORS Aaron Tabor, M.D. is the CEO of Physicians Pharmaceuticals and author of The Revival Slim & Beautiful Diet. A graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Tabor oversees all clinical research on the Revival Slim & Beautiful Diet plan, conducting randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies at leading hospitals in the U.S. Areas of note include weight loss, skin/hair/nail appearance, energy, menopause, PMS, cholesterol, memory, and diabetic health. He is also responsible for directing new Revival product development based on clinical research results. Robert M. Blair, Ph.D. is the Research Manager for Physicians Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and manages the daily activities of the Research and Nutrition departments. Dr. Blair received his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in the field of Reproductive Physiology. Before joining Physicians Pharmaceuticals, Inc., he worked as an Assistant Professor of Comparative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine where he examined the effects of dietary soy on cardiovascular health and cognitive function. - Reviews the most-popular and most-researched nutricosmetic ingredients - Presents information specifically about the benefits of ingredients consumed orally for skin health - Considers the benefits of whey protein, rosemary, soy – and green tea and milk thistle, specifically, for protection against sun damage and photocarcinogenesis - Provides information on antioxidants, incl: potential benefits of botanical antioxidants; carotenoids; coenzyme Q10; healthy fruits; olive fruit; and natural enzymes

Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function presents new information relating to skin biochemistry and pathological changes seen in various dry skin disorders. The book examines the pharmacology of ingredients in moisturizing preparations, providing a broad overview of formulations as well as detailed information on ingredients. Featuring contributions from leading researchers from around the world, the book also outlines general principles for testing and evaluation of effects on the skin, with particular emphasis on safety assessment. This comprehensive book is divided into five parts. Part I, Dry Skin and Moisturizers, offers an introduction to this fascinating topic, while Part II, Biochemistry and Function of the Skin, explores everything from particle probes and skin physiology to the distribution and function of physiological elements in skin. Part III focuses on dry skin and hyperkeratotic conditions. Physico-chemical considerations, emulsifiers, hydrophilic pastes, lanolins, and other topics are addressed in Part IV, Formulations and Interactions with the Skin; while safety assessments, human in vivo skin irritancy testing, sensitive skin, and more are examined in Part V, Evaluation and Safety.

Accompanying CD-ROM includes "all clinical photographs and important diagrams"--p. [vii].