Corneocyte desquamation at the skin surface is a complex biologic event which is normally regulated for providing an inconspicuous shedding of single corneocytes. When altered, the process gives rise to xerotic and ichthyotic conditions. The present review focusses on important biologic and molecular aspects responsible for normal and altered corneocyte desquamation. There is a complex relationship between epidermal cell production, maturation and desquamative loss. Corneocyte hydration, stratum corneum barrier function and enzymatic corneodesmolysis are involved in a dynamic interrelationship. Many physiological and environmental factors acting in a different time frame influence desquamation.

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