What accumulates during retention hyperkeratosis?

Retention hyperkeratosis is a condition where the normal shedding of dead skin cells is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of those dead skin cells within the hair follicles rather than being sloughed off as they should be. This accumulation occurs due to a variety of factors, such as an imbalance in the production of skin cells and their desquamation, often seen in conditions like acne and keratosis pilaris.

The condition is characterized by the thickening of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin, primarily due to this retention of dead cells. This can lead to clogged pores, which may result in various skin issues like acne and rough texture.

In contrast, oily substances accumulated on the skin surface relate more to excess sebum production and are not a direct result of retention hyperkeratosis. Excess moisture and melanin production are also unrelated to the retention of dead skin cells and pertain to different skin conditions or factors. Therefore, the correct association with retention hyperkeratosis is indeed the failure of dead skin cells to properly shed from the follicles, leading to their accumulation and potentially resulting in various skin concerns.