Fatty acids in skin

It is interesting to note that the enhancement of skin permeation of drugs by fatty acid is dependent upon the alkyl chain length (Figure 6). In addition, the esterification of the carboxylic acid group reduces the effectiveness of fatty acids in skin permeation enhancement. The type of enhancer used and its concentration in the adhesive coating also play an important role in the extent of skin permeation (Figure 7). 

Nazzaro-Porro, M. Passi, S. Boniforti, L. Effects of aging on fatty acids in skin surface lipids. J. Invest. Dermatol. 1979, 73, 112-117. 

Fatty acids play an important role in the barrier function of skin and represent a major source of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other lipids in inflammatory skin disorders. This book combines the two major functions of fatty acids in skin biology. 

In the first part the biosynthesis of fatty acids in skin with its role in barrier function as well as the role of dietary fatty acids on skin cell function and in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases is presented. The second part deals with skin as a source of proinflammatory eicosanoids, especially with the keratinocyte as a major cellular source. Metabolism of eicosanoids in skin, its role in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis as well as pharmacological inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis is reviewed. 

---