A simple and modulable reconstructed human epidermis as a tool to assess the effect of external aggressors

Skin is an essential organ that provides a protective and defensive barrier against harmful elements from the external environment such as chemical substances, microbial pathogens, and physical factors. Skin models are used to assess possible hazards resulting from contact or exposure to chemical compounds and permits the obtention of irritation and toxicological data. Nowadays, greater effort is put in the development of in vitro models to replace animals due to ethical requirements. In vitro skin models can be customized and have shown a potential for a wide field of applications from cell biology to cosmetology, modelling diseases, drug development, skin ageing, pathophysiology and regenerative medicine. Today’s challenge is to find the relevant skin model and exposure testing methods to fully evaluate the impact of external aggressors such as UV and Cigarette Smoke on skin in the most realistic conditions.