The effect of internal lipids on the water sorption kinetics of keratinised tissues

Abstract

Water has a large influence on the properties of keratinised tissues. The water diffusion properties of keratinised tissues are known to be governed by the cell membrane complex, which is mainly composed of internal lipids. The main aim of this work was to characterise the differences in the water sorption and desorption behaviour of human hair and stratum corneum (SC) both with and without internal lipids. Absorption and desorption curves were obtained using a thermogravimetric balance equipped with a controlled humidity chamber. The results demonstrate that the role of the intercellular lipids in the SC is more marked than in hair, which is likely due to the greater amount of lipids present in its structure. Therefore, lipid structures in the SC are essential both to prevent changes in the water-holding capacity of the skin and to maintain the water permeability of the SC.