Keratinocytes

4 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Description

Keratinocytes are specialized Cells that are composed primarily of Keratin.  Keratinocytes are produced in the Stratum Germinativum and then migrate to the outer layers of the Epidermis and are then known as Corneocytes when they reach the Stratum Corneum.  They are the principal Cell type of the Epidermis.

 

Biological Function of Keratinocytes

Skin/Hair/Nails

 Dead Keratinocytes form the outermost layer of the Skin - they cover the outermost of the living layers of Skin (the Stratum Corneum of the Epidermis).

 Specialized Keratinocytes line the Hair Follicles and eventually die to form Hair.

 Living Keratinocytes are a major component of the Epidermis of the Skin - the shedding of dead Keratinocytes from the Skin stimulates the proliferation of new living Keratinocytes within the Epidermis.

 

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Keratinocytes

Alkaloids

 Berberine may inhibit the excessive differentiation of Keratinocytes. 

 Berbamine may inhibit the excessive differentiation of Keratinocytes. 

 Oxycanthine may inhibit the excessive differentiation of Keratinocytes. 

 

Cosmeceuticals

 Glycolic Acid (applied topically) may stimulate the proliferation of Keratinocytes.  [1]

 MPF-1 (applied topically) is claimed to increase the growth/production of Keratinocytes in the Epidermis. 

 Retin-A (applied topically) may reverse degeneration of the Skin’s Keratinocytes.  [2]

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