High Spatial Resolution Study of Human Skin Using Synchrotron Infrared Microscopy: Application to the Penetration of External Agents

The study utilized synchrotron-powered infrared microscopy to analyze human skin sections with high spatial resolution, revealing detailed biocomposition of skin layers. It identified highly organized lipids in the stratum corneum and generated biochemical images showing the distribution of lipids, proteins, and collagen. The research examined the penetration of cyanophenol and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, finding that penetration is favored in areas with lower lipid concentration and through hair follicles. Both compounds reached the epidermis without altering protein secondary structure.