Natural moisturising factor
AnatomicalStructureA mixture of hygroscopic compounds within corneocytes that binds water inside the stratum corneum. Predominantly derived from filaggrin degradation.
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The Science Library
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Neurogenic inflammation
MedicalConditionA feedback loop in which sensory neurons and immune cells amplify each other via neuropeptides and cytokines, driving vasodilation, itch, and escalating inflammatory sensitivity.
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Neuropeptide
ChemicalSubstanceNeuropeptides are small signalling peptides released from nerve terminals in the skin, acting as chemical messengers between the nervous system and cutaneous immune, vascular, and epithelial cells.
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Neuropeptide Y
ProteinA 36-amino acid neuropeptide functioning as the brain's fastest and most potent orexigenic signal, a sympathetic co-transmitter in the periphery, and a pro-regenerative modulator in skin.
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NF-kappa B
ProteinThe master transcription factor coordinating skin inflammation. NF-κB activation simultaneously suppresses barrier proteins and upregulates collagen-degrading MMPs.
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NHE1
ProteinThe energy-dependent transmembrane transporter that actively pumps protons (H⁺) out of keratinocytes into the stratum corneum extracellular space.
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Niacinamide
MolecularEntityWater‑soluble vitamin B3 that boosts ceramide synthesis, supports cellular NAD⁺, and reduces inflammation and glycation to strengthen barrier and dermal integrity.
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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
MolecularEntityCoenzyme present in every skin cell that powers both cellular energy metabolism and a suite of signalling enzymes, including the sirtuins that regulate the skin's circadian repair clock.
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Obesity
MedicalConditionExcess adipose tissue volume. A chronic low-grade inflammatory state with specific, measurable consequences for skin biology, barrier function, wound healing, and treatment response.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
MedicalConditionObstructive sleep apnoea is repeated airway collapse during sleep, causing fragmented rest, daytime fatigue, and metabolic stress; common in obesity, and often missed.
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Oestrogen
MolecularEntityA steroid sex hormone acting directly on dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes to regulate collagen synthesis, ceramide production, hyaluronic acid content, and barrier integrity.
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Oestrogen decline
BiologicalProcessThe progressive reduction in oestrogen that begins in the early 40s and accelerates through perimenopause into menopause, driving simultaneous changes across the dermis, epidermis, and skin barrier.
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Oleic acid
MolecularEntityAn 18-carbon monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid abundant in olive oil, tallow, and sebum. Plays a role in membrane fluidity and skin feel.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
ChemicalSubstanceEssential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties, supporting barrier function and skin health when consumed in adequate amounts.
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Omega-6 fatty acids
ChemicalSubstanceEssential fatty acids that promote inflammation when consumed excessively relative to omega-3s, common in modern Western diets.
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Oxidative phosphorylation
BiologicalProcessOxidative phosphorylation generates the bulk of cellular ATP in mitochondria, coupling oxygen use to energy production while also producing ROS, a process central to tissue function and ageing.
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Palmitic acid
MolecularEntityThe most abundant saturated fatty acid in human skin, tallow, and sebum. The primary product of endogenous fatty acid synthesis and the direct substrate for serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT).
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Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
ChemicalSubstanceMatrixyl is a palmitoylated pentapeptide that signals fibroblasts to boost collagen I, III, and IV, glycosaminoglycans, and fibronectin, making it one of the most studied cosmetic signal peptides.
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Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
ChemicalSubstanceA signal peptide that delivers the GHK matrikine sequence to dermal fibroblasts via a palmitoyl tail, stimulating collagen I, III, and IV synthesis and fibronectin production.
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Pantothenic acid
ChemicalSubstanceWater-soluble B vitamin and the intracellular metabolite of dexpanthenol in skin tissue. Supports energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis. Drives keratinocyte proliferation and fibroblast function.
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Papillary dermis
AnatomicalStructureThe uppermost zone of the dermis, sitting directly beneath the epidermis.
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Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia
MedicalConditionParadoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare adverse event following cryolipolysis in which the treated area develops an increase in fat volume rather than the expected reduction.
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Peptides
ChemicalSubstancePeptides are short amino‑acid chains that act as targeted signalling molecules in skincare, directing fibroblasts, melanocytes, immune cells, and neuromuscular junctions.
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Perimenopausal skin changes
MedicalConditionPerimenopausal skin changes describe the cascade of biological alterations across every layer of the skin that accompany declining oestrogen during the menopausal transition.
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Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha
ProteinNuclear receptor and lipid sensor coordinating ceramide, free fatty acid, and cholesterol synthesis simultaneously in keratinocytes.
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Photoageing
BiologicalProcessThe pattern of UV-driven extrinsic skin ageing, distinct from chronological ageing in its mechanisms, distribution, and clinical appearance. Characterised by collagen fragmentation, solar elastosis.
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Phytoceramides
ChemicalSubstancePlant-derived ceramides taken orally, with research showing improved skin hydration after 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
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Pilosebaceous Unit
AnatomicalStructureThe pilosebaceous unit is the functional skin structure comprising a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle.
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Platelet
AnatomicalStructureSmall anucleate cell fragments produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, circulating in blood for seven to ten days before natural clearance.
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Platelet-derived growth factor
BioChemEntityA family of growth factors stored in platelet alpha granules and released on activation, functioning primarily as a recruitment signal that drives fibroblast migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis