Stratum Corneum Anatomy - The Key to Healthy, Attractive Skin

From Heather Brannon, MD, former About.com Guide

Updated November 04, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is a collection of water-soluble compounds that are only found in the stratum corneum. These compounds compose approximately 20-30% of the dry weight of the corneocyte. NMF components absorb water from the atmosphere and combine it with their own water content allowing the outermost layers of the stratum corneum to stay hydrated despite exposure to the elements. Because NMF components are water soluble, they are easily leached from the cells with water contact - which is why repeated contact with water actually makes the skin drier. The lipid layer surrounding the corneocyte helps seal the corneocyte to prevent loss of NMF.

• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - The Key to Healthy, Attractive Skin
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - The Corneocyte
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Lamellar Bodies
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Intercellular Lipids
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Cornified Envelope
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Cornified Envelope Lipids
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Corneodesmosomes
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)
• Stratum Corneum Anatomy - Desquamation Process