Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices useful for the identification of genes differentially expressed in skin. Preferably, the processes and devices are useful for the in vitro determination of skin homeostasis. Also described is a combination having a plurality of genes differentially expressed in skin compared to other tissues. Biochips and test kits useful in processes for the identification of genes expressed in skin homeostasis as well as in processes for screening substances useful in maintaining or promoting homeostasis of the skin are also described. Also described are processes for identifying substances useful in maintaining or promoting homeostasis of the skin as well as processes for making cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations comprising such substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the homeostasis of hairy skin in vitro, to test kits and biochips for determining markers of hairy skin, in addition to the use of proteins, mRNA molecules or fragments thereof as markers of hairy skin. The invention also relates to a test method for detecting the effectiveness of cosmetic or pharmaceutical active substances for treating hairy skin in addition to a screening method for identifying cosmetic or pharmaceutical active substances for treating hairy skin and to a method for producing a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation for treating hairy skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining skin stress and/or skin ageing in humans or animals in vitro, test kits and biochips for determining skin stress and/or skin ageing, and the use of proteins, mRNA molecules or fragments of proteins or mRNA molecules as skin stress and/or ageing markers. The invention also relates to a test method for demonstrating the effectiveness of cosmetic or pharmaceutical active ingredients against skin stress and/or skin ageing, a screening method for identifying cosmetic or pharmaceutical active ingredients against skin stress and/or skin ageing, and a method for producing a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparation against skin stress and/or skin ageing. The invention further relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation against skin stress and/or skin ageing.

Abstract: A ceramidase having the following structural motif