Skin lipid macromolecular structure: Relationship to compromised barrier and disease states

COLL 331

Linda D. Rhein, linda.rhein@novartis.com, Department of Cosmetic Science, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Taeneck, NJ 07666
The current status of the research on epidermal and sebaceous skin lipid macromolecular structure will be reviewed. The characterization of the barrier lipids in compromised skin such as dry skin and essential fatty acid deficiency along with atopic dermatitis and acne will be reviewed. The relevance of the putative macromolecular structure of skin lipids to the characterization of abrogated barrier in skin diseases will be considered. Potential treatment strategies will be hypothesized.