The skin is the body's largest organ, a stratified protective interface composed of the epidermis, dermis, and underlying subcutaneous tissue that shields internal structures, regulates temperature and fluid balance, provides sensory input, and participates in immune defence. Its layered architecture, with the kerat…
The skin is the body's largest organ, a stratified protective interface composed of the epidermis, dermis, and underlying subcutaneous tissue that shields internal structures, regulates temperature and fluid balance, provides sensory input, and participates in immune defence. Its layered architecture, with the keratinized epidermal barrier overlying a vascular and connective-tissue dermis, governs both its mechanical properties and its function as a controlled barrier to the external environment. The biomechanical behaviour of skin, including elasticity, can be characterized at the cellular level and is altered by disease, ageing, and treatment. As a major site of disease, the skin is central to dermatology and to skin-cancer research, where premalignant and malignant lesions such as actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma are managed with modalities including fractional laser microporation combined with topical agents. Skin is also vulnerable to injury from external agents, illustrated by ulceration arising from topical corticosteroid misuse, and to infections addressed through the synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial compounds targeting skin disease. The barrier function of skin underpins transdermal drug delivery, in which penetration-enhancing molecules are developed to improve transport of therapeutics across the stratum corneum. Understanding skin structure, mechanics, neoplastic and inflammatory disease, and its role as a permeability barrier informs dermatological diagnosis, the treatment of cutaneous malignancy, and the design of topical and transdermal therapies.
7 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 7 articles above have been cited 39 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Skin, linking to each citing work.