Filaggrin is an epidermal protein that binds to the keratin intermediate filament and promotes the formation of bridges between the intermediate filaments during the terminal differentiation of the epidermis in mammals. Aid, inter alia, to absorb the positive part of the UV light. Has a role in the formation of cornified envelope and moisturizing the skin.
Its deficiency results in abnormalities in the epidermis. It is therefore essential hydration, because dry skin can lead to even have problems with asthma, for example as stated by the Department of Dermatology at the University del Valle, or other sensitivities in epidermal barrier.
What is dry skin?
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and the core structure to retain water in the skin. Comprises about 20 layers of epidermal cells, which form the skin barrier prevents dehydration of the body and the entry of foreign substances into the skin.
In normal situations, should contain from 10 to 15% water. When this concentration decreases, there is skin dryness or xerosis. Dry skin is more fragile, rough, and dull and is more prone to skin diseases like eczema or infections.
It also makes it visible wrinkling. It may be a physiologically dry skin, pathological (ichthyosis), and iatrogenic (sun exposure, swimming in pools hyperchlorination, medications such as retinoids, etc.).
Importance of Hydration
Faced with a cosmetic, one of the most important qualities is that it is moisturizing. The moisturizers leave skin smooth and soft with a natural looking healthy glow. Restore elasticity hydration of the stratum corneum, so that the skin is more firm and strong. In short, the skin becomes better looking, healthier and rejuvenated.
How to conserve water in the skin
The essential structure is the stratum corneum. There are three structures that allow you to keep this water content.
Hydrolipid: A skin film located on the surface of the stratum corneum into contact with the outside. It originates from the sebaceous secretion of the skin, secretion sudoral and the remains of desquamated epidermal cells. This mantle exerts its antimicrobial action by acid pH (acid mantle of the skin).
Natural moisturizing factor: the most important natural mechanism to conserve moisture in the stratum corneum. It consists of a set of hydrosoluble molecules present in the stratum corneum and in the free surface of the skin. These substances are formed primarily from filaggrin. The filaggrin protein is essential for proper formation of the keratin of the epidermis. Allows keratin filaments adhering to one another, providing a compact structure.
Lipid bilayer. Is formed by the arrangement of bricks and mortar of cells of the stratum corneum. The bricks are cells and cement substances are fatty nature are arranged between them. The most important are ceramides, free fatty acids such as linoleic and cholesterol. This provision allows lipid bilayer selective passage of substances through the skin, and is the basis for topical treatments in dermatology, including moisturizers.
Important: Professor Onofre Sanmartin says Jimenez, Professor Dermatology Catholic University of Valencia and member of the AEDV (Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology), that the ideal time for the application of a cosmetic is after a shower or bath, to take advantage external supply of water obtained.
