The Lab – Aesthetics Science & Insights – Page 3 – Creative Touch

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E-cadherin
Protein
A calcium-dependent transmembrane adhesion protein that maintains lateral cohesion between keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum via adherens junctions.
Eicosapentaenoic acid
ChemicalSubstance
Active omega-3 fatty acid form (EPA) with anti-inflammatory properties, supporting skin health when combined with DHA.
Elastin
Protein
Structural protein providing skin's stretch-and-recoil capacity. Unlike collagen, new elastin production is severely limited in adult skin.
ELOVL fatty acid elongase 4
Protein
The elongase enzyme responsible for synthesising very long-chain fatty acids (C28+) required specifically for the acylceramide subtypes EOS and EOP.
Enteric nervous system
AnatomicalSystem
The semi-autonomous neural network of 500 million neurons embedded in the gut wall, and the bidirectional gut-CNS communication system that connects it to appetite, reward, and skin health.
Epidermal calcium gradient
BiologicalProcess
The depth-stratified calcium concentration system that coordinates keratinocyte proliferation, terminal differentiation, lamellar body secretion, and cornified envelope formation in epidermal layers.
Epidermal growth factor
Protein
The primary re-epithelialisation growth factor in skin, produced acutely by platelets, macrophages, and fibroblasts following tissue injury.
Epidermis
AnatomicalStructure
The skin's outer cellular layer, containing both the stratum corneum barrier and the keratinocyte differentiation programme that builds it.
Facial skin
AnatomicalStructure
The specialised integument covering the face, distinguished by regional thickness variations, high sebaceous gland density, rich superficial vascular plexus, and susceptibility to photoageing.
Fatty acids
ChemicalSubstance
Fatty acids are the molecular building blocks of dietary and bodily fats. They vary by chain length, degree of saturation, and double bond position.
Ferritin
Protein
Ferritin stores and releases iron; the most sensitive marker of low iron availability, with fatigue and cognitive drag often emerging when levels fall below ~50 µg/L despite 'normal' lab ranges.
Fibroblast
AnatomicalStructure
Dermal connective tissue cells that synthesise collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and the broader extracellular matrix.
Fibroblast growth factor
Protein
A family of 22 signalling proteins acting through tyrosine kinase receptors to regulate fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, keratinocyte migration, and angiogenesis.
Filaggrin
Protein
Barrier protein that collapses keratinocytes into corneocytes and then degrades into natural moisturising factor. Suppressed by inflammation during barrier dysfunction.
Food addiction
MedicalCondition
Compulsive eating pattern with addiction-like features including tolerance, withdrawal, and loss of control; distinct from restriction-induced issues.
Free fatty acids
ChemicalSubstance
Barrier lipids comprising 15–25% of the stratum corneum matrix. Beyond structural support, they generate the skin's acidic pH.
Gamma-linolenic acid
MolecularEntity
An omega-6 fatty acid produced from linoleic acid via delta-6 desaturase, and the precursor to DGLA. GLA generates predominantly anti-inflammatory mediators.
Ghrelin
Protein
The 'hunger hormone' produced by the stomach, stimulating appetite particularly for energy-dense foods during caloric restriction.
Ghrelin rebound
BiologicalProcess
Phenomenon where hunger hormone levels spike after stopping GLP-1 medications, sometimes exceeding pre-treatment levels.
GLP-1 medication discontinuation
BiologicalProcess
Stopping GLP-1 medication (tirzepatide or semaglutide), which typically leads to appetite signal changes and potential weight regain.
Glucagon-like peptide-1
Protein
Natural satiety hormone produced in the gut, signalling fullness to the brain and forming the basis for GLP-1 medication effects.
Gluconolactone
ChemicalSubstance
A gentle PHA that chelates minerals, lightly exfoliates, hydrates, and provides antioxidant activity, with surface‑limited penetration ideal for sensitive skin.
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
Protein
The first and dominant incretin hormone, responsible for 60 to 80% of the postprandial insulin response, that, unlike GLP-1, acts directly on adipose tissue to promote lipid storage.
Glucosylceramidase
Protein
The extracellular processing enzyme that converts glucosylceramide to free ceramide in the lower stratum corneum. One of two enzymes completing the final step of ceramide generation.
Glycation
BiologicalProcess
Non‑enzymatic binding of sugars to proteins, forming AGEs that accumulate, cross‑link structural proteins, and drive inflammatory and oxidative damage via RAGE.
Glycation-related skin changes
BiologicalProcess
Skin dullness, yellowing, stiffness, and slowed repair caused by long‑term AGE buildup, producing a pattern distinct from chronological ageing or UV damage.
Glycerin
ChemicalSubstance
Highly effective humectant that draws moisture into skin from the environment and deeper tissue layers.
Glycine
ChemicalSubstance
The smallest amino acid and the most abundant in collagen, occupying every third position in the triple-helix structure.
Glycolic acid
ChemicalSubstance
Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover and improving skin texture.
Glycosaminoglycan
BioChemEntity
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the dermis's primary humectants, binding water, while also organising collagen architecture and regulating growth-factor and cytokine signalling.