Article: The necessity of essential fatty acids
The epidermis and the dermis constitute the two principal layers of the skin. The horny layer of the epidermis serves as a barrier preventing water loss and invasion of microbes and irritants, while the dermis provides physical and nutritional support to the epidermis. The horny layer provides a unique structure of dead cells embedded in a hydrolipidic film, where the presence of Linoleic Acid in the lipids is necessary for an intact barrier with a well hydrated, smooth skin surface as result.
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