Exploring the decline of human skin barrier function with ageing, and the impact of ethnicity and UVR exposure

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Human skin provides a crucial physical barrier to protect the body against environmental insults, notably ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight. The skin also has several physiological functions including immune surveillance and the control of thermoregulation and water loss. The epidermis of human skin has a key role in preventing excessive loss of water and solutes from the body. Epidermal barrier function is maintained by tight junction complexes in the stratum granulosum, and components of the hydrophobic, lipid rich stratum corneum. Disruption of barrier function is associated with xerosis and more severe, inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Thus, maintaining a functional epidermal barrier is vital for optimum skin function and environmental protection.The function of skin declines with age, including barrier function, and is influenced by acute and chronic UVR exposure but the impact of ethnicity on these is unknown. Skin from individuals of different geographical ancestry differs not only in pigmentation, but in morphological features such as epidermal thickness and dermal-epidermal junction convolution, and in the composition of the dermal matrix. It is therefore hypothesised that epidermal barrier function may also differ. The aim of this project is to examine how components and function of the epidermal barrier change with ageing, including the impact of chronic and acute UVR exposure, and how this may differ between individuals of different ethnicity. Using a range of laboratory techniques and in vivo assessments, this research will explore the quantity and distribution of key components of the epidermal barrier in human skin. Additionally, the ability of topical sunscreen to protect against changes in the epidermal barrier following acute UVR exposure will be examined.Study findings will make a significant contribution to our understanding of skin biology and epidermal barrier function and may have implications for public health messaging on sunlight exposure and photoprotection. Moreover, it will inform development of skin care products and therapies for the protection and restoration of the skin barrier with respect to ageing and sunlight exposure that will meet the needs of our diverse population. Thus, this project brings together two of the strategic topic areas for Boots/No7 - Skincare for all life stages and Skincare for all ethnicities.