If a novel topical medication significantly disrupts keratin filament cross-linking within the stratum corneum, which consequence is most likely?

💡 Explanation

Disrupting keratin cross-linking weakens the skin's structural integrity because the stratum corneum relies on these linkages for barrier function. Therefore, barrier function is compromised, rather than melanocyte, sebum, or collagen alterations, because these depend on separate physiological processes.

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