NIC Esthetician Written ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A client is concerned about signs of premature aging, including fine lines and a dull complexion. The esthetician explains that the skin's natural exfoliation process, called desquamation, slows down with age, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells. Which specific enzyme family is primarily responsible for breaking down the bonds between corneocytes, facilitating this natural shedding process?
- AHyaluronidase
- BCollagenase
- CProteases
- DLipase
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Proteases
Proteases (specifically serine proteases) are the enzyme family responsible for breaking down the desmosomal bonds between corneocytes in the stratum corneum, enabling the natural desquamation process. A slowdown in their activity contributes to dead skin cell buildup.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid, not intercellular bonds between corneocytes.
- B. Collagenase breaks down collagen, which is in the dermis, not the bonds in the stratum corneum.
- D. Lipase breaks down lipids, not the protein bonds holding dead skin cells together.
Desquamation Enzymes (Proteases)
A family of enzymes, primarily serine proteases, responsible for breaking down the proteinaceous desmosomal junctions between dead skin cells (corneocytes) in the stratum corneum, facilitating natural exfoliation (desquamation).
- Family of enzymes (e.g., serine proteases)
- Break down desmosomal bonds
- Enable natural skin shedding (desquamation)
- Activity slows with age
Memory trick: Proteases are the 'protein-scissors' that snip off dead skin.