Verhoeff's Elastic Stain: collagen in the dermis is stained red, cell nuclei are stained black and the epidermis is stained dark brown.

1
Human Skin Tissue Equivalent A Model for Human
Skin Studies
Verhoeff's Elastic Stain collagen in the dermis
is stained red, cell nuclei are stained black and
the epidermis is stained dark brown.
Keratinocytes will form a functional stratum
corneum
Epidermal Layer
Keratinocytes in basal layer
Dermal Layer
Dermal fibroblasts, which produce Collagen,
elastin, MMP-1, and hyaluronic acid
2
Human Skin Tissue Equivalent A Model for Human
Skin Studies
Alcian Blue (pH 2.5) Stain Hyaluronic acid in
the dermis is stained blue.  Nuclear fast red was
used to counterstain the epidermis
Epidermal Layer

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Highly charged glycosaminoglycan found in the
  extracellular environment.
• Attracts water, forming a gel.
• Cosmetic function provides volume to skin.
• Loss of HA with aging (skin atrophy)
• Materials which can increase HA production can
  have an anti-aging effect by providing volume to
  aged skin (anti-wrinkling effect)

Dermal Layer