Figure 5.

Schematic geometry of the epidermis and of our melanin transport model. The dermo-epidermal junction S_B supports the basal layer where keratinocytes proliferate and where melanocytes synthesize melanin. On glabrous skin, the structure of dermo-epidermal junction consists of an oscillating height z_B(x). Keratinocytes migrate along the normal to the basal layer (apical migration) with a migration rate V towards the skin surface SC where they are eliminated by desquamification. Arrows represent migration rate of keratinocytes v.