Application of laser scanning microscopy in dermatology and cutaneous physiology

Abstract

The skin is not only the largest organ of the human body but also represents a barrier to the environment, protecting our body from water loss, penetration of environmental pollutants and microorganisms [1–3]. The skin has also a social function, as people frequently associate success in their private and professional lives with young-looking, smooth skin [4]. Therefore, not only medical but also cosmetic aspects are to be considered in skin treatment. While topically applied medical products must penetrate through the skin barrier in order to become effective in the living cells, cosmetic products do not necessarily induce any medical effects [5]. In most cases, these products remain on the skin surface or in the upper corneal layers in order to protect the skin (e.g., sunscreens) or to stabilise the dermal barrier (e.g., skin protection creams or lotions). Sometimes, in particular with respect to anti-aging creams, it is difficult to distinguish medical from cosmetic products.