What is the natural moisturizing factor NMF?

How the natural moisturizing factor NMF works and how we can help it.

The NMF, natural moisturizing factor, is a group of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible molecules found in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum (the most superficial layer of the epidermis). These substances are the result of various physiological processes that occur in the skin. In the NMF, we can find:

• Protein and amino acids, from the degradation of the most superficial cells of the stratum corneum, called keratinocytes.
• Constituent substances of sweat secretion: water, sodium, potassium, chlorides, lactates, urea, ammonia and other amino acids.

These substances have hygroscopic characteristics, so the NMF components are capable of absorbing and retaining water in the stratum corneum. Together, the NMF is capable of absorbing 3–4 times its own weight in water. When the skin is damaged or aged, the composition of the NMF is altered, so skincare products that use these mixtures as moisturizing agents replace the NMF when it is qualitatively and/or quantitatively deficient.