Biofunctional textiles, innovative cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals were among the more than 200 topics presented at the 8th International Congress of International Society of Cosmetic Dermatology on October 20-23, 2007 in Beijing. Health beauty, joy and high science were the symbols of this interesting meeting. The scientific papers were well selected from the scientific board chaired by Prof. Wei Liu Head of the dermatology department at General Hospital Air Force and Xuejun Zhang, president of the Chinese Medical Association.
Skin’s Function The natural function of the skin is to protect of the body against the loss of endogenous substances such as water and against environmental influences caused by exogenous substances. Its basic function includes protection against physical, chemical, and microbiological stimuli; secretion of sweat and sebum; regulation of body temperature; sensation of various outside changes; and serving as part of immune system (Fig.1). While it has been known for a long time that various physico-chemical features, including low pH, contribute to the naturally protective milieu of the skin, it is a rather recent discovery that skin and other epithelia harbor a large array of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, forming an important part of the innate immune system. Thus, epithelial defense against infection agents relies on the recognition of microbial products by pattern recognition receptors and the local production of antimicrobial peptides.
Skin’s Function The natural function of the skin is to protect of the body against the loss of endogenous substances such as water and against environmental influences caused by exogenous substances. Its basic function includes protection against physical, chemical, and microbiological stimuli; secretion of sweat and sebum; regulation of body temperature; sensation of various outside changes; and serving as part of immune system (Fig.1). While it has been known for a long time that various physico-chemical features, including low pH, contribute to the naturally protective milieu of the skin, it is a rather recent discovery that skin and other epithelia harbor a large array of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, forming an important part of the innate immune system. Thus, epithelial defense against infection agents relies on the recognition of microbial products by pattern recognition receptors and the local production of antimicrobial peptides.
Caption: Without Dida
These toll-like receptors are early sensors of microbial material in both epithelial cells and dendritic cells, thus initiating immune responses before the specific or immune system is alerted. However, human skin spends most of its time in close contact with clothing and garments made up of different fibers. Therefore, the basic function of clothing should be in line with the basic function of human skin. Innovative clothing should provide more protection than the natural skin. To that end, completely new textile technologies have recently been developed worldwide with the goal of giving additional functionality to garments.
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