Skin Barrier Function of Stratum Corneum Lipids

Abstract

Stratum Corneum (SC) is the outer most thin layer of our body with merely 10 to 30 μm, controlling in- and outbound material trafficking as a barrier for the survival. SC consists of corneocyte, symbolized as brick, and SC intercellular lipids (SCL), symbolized as mortal. SCL exists as hydrated pseudo solid lamellar gel composed of ceramide, cholesterol and free fatty acid distinctive from any other bio-membrane. This review introduces structure and functions of SCL as a major skin barrier in view of physicochemical aspects.