Natural moisturizing factor

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.02.2024

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

Acid Mantle; NMF

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The term "Natural Moisturizing Factor" (NMF) is used to define a group of substances on the surface of the epidermis that are able to bind water due to their chemical composition. The NMF mainly consists of:
  • Lactic acid
  • various Amino acids
  • 3-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
  • urea, ammonia, uric acid and
  • inorganic ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium).
Through appropriate skin care lipids and water are supplied to the system in such a way that they can be stored there. Besides the ceramides, the NMF is of decisive importance for the barrier function of the skin (skin barrier).

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

NMF stands for natural substances or mixtures of substances (urea, lactic acid, amino acids) that are able to store the moisture found in the horny layer of the skin. They prevent the skin from drying out and keep it supple. NMFs are constantly replenished during the skin's regeneration process.

Normal human skin does not need any aids to maintain its natural moisture. Environmental factors such as dry air (especially in winter and in heated rooms), prolonged sunbathing, extensive and very warm bathing, or the use of aggressive cleansing products, lead to dehydration and the loss of natural moisturizing factors. The result is an increasing lack of skin barrier lipids, especially ceramides, which make up a high percentage of skin lipids. The result is damage to the skin barrier. The skin of older people is particularly at risk. This results in a feeling of tightness and itching.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Nouwen AEM et al. (2020) Natural moisturizing factor as a clinical marker in atopic dermatitis. Allergy 75:188-190.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.02.2024

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer