Abstract
Age-related alterations of skin surface condition such as fine wrinkle, roughness, dryness, and uneven pigmentation, are the major problems which could be improved by cosmetic skin care products. The manipulations of the stratum corneum induce a variety of biologic and pathologic responses in the underlying epidermis and even in the dermis. Thus, increased understanding of the alterations of stratum corneum with aging has important implications for the therapy and prevention of aforementioned skin problems. In this paper, I will discuss the changes of the epidermis with aging, focusing on the stratum corneum and its barrier function. I will also show several recent data which would lead to clinical improvements in age-associated skin problems.
