the skin:

 

 

anti-aging and wrinkle reduction:

 

 

collagen: Collagen is a fibrous protein that is the basis for the structure of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and all other connective tissue.

 

fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are the primary type of cell found in the dermis of skin, they are responsible for wound healing and the secretion of proteins that form collagen.

 

Cosmetic ingredients that can stimulate fibroblast production and collagen production can be found here

 

 

 

inflammation:

 

 

inhibitor: An inhibitor is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction

 

leukotriene: leukotriene: is a hormone-like substance involved in inflammatory reactions leading to swelling and increased blood flow. This chemical substance comes from arachidonic acid which is a fatty acid in cell membranes.

 

5-lipoxygenase: 5-lipoxygenase is the key enzyme in leukotriene production

 

Skin care ingredients that can inhibit leukotriene synthesis via 5-lipoxygenase (anti-inflammatories) can be found here

 

 

 

sun (UV) damage

 

 

carcinogenic: capable of causing cancer.

 

melanin: Melanin is a pigment, produced by melanocytes, that gives the skin its colour. Its role is to protect the body against the damaging effect of the ultraviolet rays present in sunlight and tanning machines. People with dark skin have more melanocytes than fair-skinned people

 

melanocytes: Melanocytes are pigment cells normally found in the basal layer of the epidermis. They produce a protein called melanin that protects the skin from damage due to ultraviolet radiation. Benign melanocytic tumours are often called moles. Cancerous melanocytic tumours are called malignant melanoma.

 

melanogenesis: Melanogenesis is the production of the pigment Melanin after exposure to UVR. Melanin is synthesized from the amino acid Tyrosine.

 

tyrosine: Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins.  It is a precursor of epinephrine, melanin, and thyroxine.

 

tyrosinase:  Tyrosinase is an an enzyme that converts tyrosine into melanin.

 

proliferation: Proliferation is the increased growth rate of cells.

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Epidermis: The epidermis is  outermost layer of skin, it forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface

 

It is the thinnest on the eyelids and the thickest on the soles of feet and palms of hands .

 

Melanin production takes place in the epidermis to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

 

keratinocytes: Keratinocytes are the major cell type of the epidermis. They make up about 90% of epidermal cells, and produce the keratin protein.

Dermis: The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain.The dermis is composed of collagen and elastin fibres, blood vessels, nerves and inflammatory cells, and glands that produce sweat , which helps regulate body temperature, and sebum , an oily substance that helps keep the skin from drying out

Skin is composed of three primary layers:

 

• the epidermis, which provides waterproofing and serves as a barrier to infection;
• the dermis, which serves as a location for the appendages of skin; and
• the hypodermis (subcutaneous adipose layer).

Glossary of terminology commonly found in scientific abstracts

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