A must-have reference for any researcher or scientist interested in cutaneous protective mechanisms, this guide provides expertly researched chapters on every aspect of stratum corneum structure, function, and development, as well as detailed sections on barrier-repair strategies and the role of barrier function in diseases such as atopic dermatiti

Although a very fragile structure, the skin barrier is probably one of the most important organs of the body. Inward/out it is responsible for body integrity and outward/in for keeping microbes, chemicals, and allergens from penetrating the skin. Since the role of barrier integrity in atopic dermatitis and the relationship to filaggrin mutations was discovered a decade ago, research focus has been on the skin barrier, and numerous new publications have become available. This book is an interdisciplinary update offering a wide range of information on the subject. It covers new basic research on skin markers, including results on filaggrin and on methods for the assessment of the barrier function. Biological variation and aspects of skin barrier function restoration are discussed as well. Further sections are dedicated to clinical implications of skin barrier integrity, factors influencing the penetration of the skin, influence of wet work, and guidance for prevention and saving the barrier. Distinguished researchers have contributed to this book, providing a comprehensive and thorough overview of the skin barrier function. Researchers in the field, dermatologists, occupational physicians, and related industry will find this publication an essential source of information.

Skin Barrier is the first book to be written exclusively by researchers for researchers as a convenient desktop reference. It focuses on several key aspects of the skin barrier including composition and structure and a description of the properties governing the diffusion of compounds across the skin. Although there has been a large number of laboratories involved in measuring percutaneous absorption over the past 15 to 20 years, it is only recently that there has been a general consensus in the scientific community regarding the development of standard protocols. Recognizing the importance of this, the authors have included two chapters detailing the protocol used in measuring and predicting percutaneous absorption and a discussion on the practical application of these techniques to solve associated problems. In order to provide the researcher and especially the student with access to more detailed information, the book features a comprehensive listing of references published over the past 10 years. Skin Barrier is the only desktop reference for dermatologists, cosmetologists, biochemists, biologists, and those in the pharmaceutics industry, who need detailed and accurate information about the skin barrier on a daily basis. No R & D department should be without a copy.

Cosmeceuticals are ingredients or products that provide cosmetic and therapeutic benefits and which can be obtained without a prescription. They are one of the fastest growing segments in the personal care product market. Even in the worst economic climate, sales of cosmetics remain robust. Beauty enhancers are our best means of feel-good escapism, and we are not about to give them up. The ingredients, sales locations, and the regulation of sales are dynamic aspects of the industry. Here we give you a heads-up on where the market is going so you can make strategic decisions for your practice. This book will give you an understanding of facial cosmeceuticals examining the needs of the face, moisturizer formulation, noninvasive testing, and clinical evaluation to establish efficacy. It sheds light on topics such as the delivery mechanisms of active ingredients, vitamin A and C and other antioxidants, growth factors and stem cells, peptides, or amino acids. Topics also include the use of cosmeceuticals for the treatment of acne, rosacea, and hair loss and for hair care as well as the treatment of scars and cosmeceuticals for sun protection and protection from pollution. It also covers aspects of nutraceuticals and diets for healthy skin.

It is now established that the interplay between environmental exposure and molecular stress response pathways plays a critical role in skin health and disease, and a refined mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon at the molecular level promises to open new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies that may benefit patients in the near future. Coauthored by recognized international leaders in molecular and clinical biomedical sciences, this novel book provides a comprehensive perspective on environmental exposure-induced skin stress response pathways. Focusing on molecular opportunities targeting skin stress response pathways that are involved in cutaneous barrier function and repair, antimicrobial defense, immune regulation, inflammation, and malignant progression, the book is essential reading for students, basic researchers, and biomedical health care professionals interested in skin health and disease with implications for small molecule therapeutic development.

Development of moisturizers is a scientific and artistic discipline, where consumer insights are also needed. This new book bridges the gap between the moisturizers and the skin by covering all the essential information required to tailor the use of moisturizers to particular disorders and patients. Important aspects of skin biochemistry and barrier function are explained, and the ingredients and treatment effects of moisturizers are explored in depth. Careful attention is paid to controversies, including the role of certain moisturizers in inducing dryness/eczema, asthma, and comedones. The information provided in this unique book will enable the reader to go beyond the traditional thinking regarding skin care. The novel insights offered will suggest the properties required for a new generation of moisturizing treatments that more effectively improve the quality of life.

A comprehensive guide to the current research, major challenges, and future prospects of controlled drug delivery systems Controlled drug delivery has the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes, increase clinical benefits, and enhance the safety of drugs in a wide range of diseases and health conditions. Fundamentals of Drug Delivery provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the essential principles and processes of modern controlled drug delivery systems. Featuring contributions by respected researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical industry professionals, this edited volume reviews the latest research in the field and addresses the many issues central to the development of effective, controlled drug delivery. Divided in three parts, the book begins by introducing the concept of drug delivery and discussing both challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving field. The second section presents an in-depth critique of the common administration routes for controlled drug delivery, including delivery through skin, the lungs, and via ocular, nasal, and otic routes. The concluding section summarizes the current state of the field and examines specific issues in drug delivery and advanced delivery technologies, such as the use of nanotechnology in dermal drug delivery and advanced drug delivery systems for biologics. This authoritative resource: Covers each main stage of the drug development process, including selecting pharmaceutical candidates and evaluating their physicochemical characteristics Describes the role and application of mathematical modelling and the influence of drug transporters in pharmacokinetics and drug disposition Details the physiology and barriers to drug delivery for each administration route Presents a historical perspective and a look into the possible future of advanced drug delivery systems Explores nanotechnology and cell-mediated drug delivery, including applications for targeted delivery and toxicological and safety issues Includes comprehensive references and links to the primary literature Edited by a team of of internationally-recognized experts, Fundamentals of Drug Delivery is essential reading for researchers, industrial scientists, and advanced students in all areas of drug delivery including pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, polymer and materials science, and chemical and biochemical engineering.

Back for a new edition, Zoe Draelos' outstanding resource to cosmetic dermatology again provides a highly-illustrated, clinical guide to the full range of cosmetic skin treatments. Bringing together experts from research, industry, surgery and practice, it is structured in four distinct parts for easy navigation by the busy clinician: Basic Concepts - giving an overview of the physiology pertinent to cosmetic dermatology and the delivery systems by which treatments can take effect; Hygiene Products - evaluating cleansing and moisturising products; Adornment - looking at aesthetic techniques such as cosmetics, nail protheses and hair treatment; Antiaging - ie, injectables, resurfacing and skin contouring techniques, and the rapidly growing area of Cosmeceuticals. With over 300 high-quality images and key summary boxes throughout, this new edition incorporates the newest procedural innovations in this rapidly developing field. Perfect for all dermatologists, especially those specialising in cosmetic dermatology and whether hospital-based or in private practice, it provides the complete cosmetic regimen for your patients and will be an indispensable tool to consult over and over again.