The skin the largest organ in the human body serves so many functions. It prevents dehydration, reduces harmful effects of UV radiation, serves as a protective barrier, and is a sense organ, among others.
Skin Surface Chemistry
In a bid to take care of the skin, various skin products have been manufactured including sunscreens, moisturizers, and exfoliants. Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the skin and its diseases while Cosmetic surgeries can also be done to improve skin appearance.
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The skin is made up of three layers. The epidermis is the outermost layer and serves as a waterproof barrier, the dermis hair follicles, sweat glands, and tough connective tissues. The subcutaneous tissue which is the deepest layer of the skin contains fat and connective tissue. The epidermis itself is made up of five layers, of which the outermost is the stratum corneum. It serves as a barrier and also prevents dehydration.
It is necessary to develop skin products and carry out skin treatments that are most suitable for the skin with minimal side effects. This can be achieved through research.
The efficient skin imaging technique
The skin has been studied over time by scientists using various instruments and equipment. But, none seems to be groundbreaking like that done by researchers from the University of Nottingham. They were able to analyze the skin using mass spectrometry. This latest three-dimensional spectrometry was used in the analysis of the skin’s stratum corneum and it gave, in detail, the molecular chemistry of this epidermal layer.
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Some of the chemical reactions that occur in the stratum corneum were better appreciated using this imaging technique. One of which is the cholesterol sulfate cycle. This cycle involves cholesterol sulfate generation by cholesterol sulfotransferase in the epidermis and its desulfation in the outer epidermis. This cycle regulates desquamation, barrier function, and epidermal differentiation.
This imaging was done outside the body using full-thickness samples of human skin tissue and a single gas cluster ion beam. The skin was sputtered through, and secondary ions were generated. A depth profile was generated by analysis of the secondary ions, and the chemistry within the stratum corneum was visualized.
The penetration profile of the stratum corneum using No7’s peptide blend Super Matrixyl 3000 applied on the skin, was observed, and the peptides that aim at the photo-damage that occurs during aging were detected. These peptides can occur naturally in the skin, and they are also a component of many skin products. The peptides are part of the proteins that help in building the collagens in the skin and also help in elasticity and firmness. Thus, reducing the brittleness of nails, dry hair prone to breakage, and wrinkles. Exogenous peptide addition which can be via skincare products helps to signal the body to produce more collagen by making the skin think there is an injury, since we constantly lose our collagen, about 1% per year, after 30 years of age. Thereby, these exogenous peptides subserve anti-aging functions.
Clinical significance
The use of the 3D OrbiSIMS instrument for human skin analysis by the University of Nottingham marks noteworthy progress in the world of molecular analysis of biological tissues. Its high resolving power, sensitivity, and chemical specificity will help in accurate visualization of the skin’s molecular structure, therefore, leading to the development of better and more effective skincare products like anti-aging products that are peptide-based.
Conclusion
The 3D mass spectrometry analysis of the skin’s layer is a welcomed development that will direct future development of skincare products that may finally lead to the victory over the side effects of aging.
