Acid mantle
Acid Mantle
The Acid Mantle (/ˈæsɪd ˈmæntəl/) is a term used in Dermatology to describe the thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin that acts as a barrier to bacteria, viruses, and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin.
Etymology
The term "Acid Mantle" is derived from the Latin words "Acidus" meaning sour, and "Mantellum" meaning cloak. It was first used in the early 20th century by the German dermatologist Hans S. Schwarz to describe the protective acid layer on the skin.
Function
The Acid Mantle is composed of sebum (free fatty acids) excreted from the skin's sebaceous glands, which mixes with lactic and amino acids from sweat to create the skin's pH, which ideally should be slightly acidic - about 5.5. This acidity helps to keep the skin's microbiome balanced and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Related Terms
- Sebum: An oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands that helps to moisturize and protect the skin.
- Microbiome: The collection of microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a sort of "mini ecosystem". In the context of skin, it refers to the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on its surface.
- pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Skin's natural pH is slightly acidic, which helps to maintain skin health and ward off harmful bacteria.
- Dermatology: The branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acid mantle
- Wikipedia's article - Acid mantle
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