Desmosomes degradation

Rawlings, A.Y., et al. 1994. Abnormalities in stratum corneum structure, lipid composition, and desmosome degradation in soap-induced winter xerosis. J Soc Cosmet Chem 45 203. 

Also, in autosomal recessive ichthyosis there are findings indicative of an impaired desmosome degradation in the stratum corneum.29 The mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. 

Rawlings, A. et al., The effect of glycerol and humidity on desmosome degradation in stratum corneum, Arch. Dermatol. Res., 287, 457, 1995. 

Desquamatory proteases and other enzymes mediate their action in the lipid-rich intercellular space and need free water to be active.3 Disturbed SC lipid structure results in reduced SC hydration and retention of corneocytes on the skin surface. Subsequently skin xerosis becomes evident due to reduced desmosome degradation.5 The occurrence of dry skin associated with cold, dry weather may result from an extensive, elevated level of skin lipids in the solid state. Thereby, the material that maintains a higher proportion of lipid in the liquid crystalline state may be an effective moisturizer.6... 

Presence of water in the SC is essential for the enzymes to cleave the desmosomes and in dry skin inadequate desmosomal degradation can occur leading to accumulation of dry cells. The result is severe dryness with excessive flakiness in the SC. 

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