Phytosphingosine - Ceramide, Targeting Acne Issues & Dry Skin

Do you know phytosphingosine is also a type of ceramide?

I created a toner formula for acne skin care many years ago with phytosphingosine, niacinamide, and zinc PCA. It works exceptionally well. This toner remains popular and is the top seller in the anti-acne section.

Sphingosine, a key component of cell membranes, is ubiquitous in the natural world. It can be found in all animals, plants, and fungi. The prefix' Phyto—' signifies its plant-based origin, making phytosphingosine a naturally derived ingredient. In the skin, sphingosine is the major component of the ceramides, which is so important to maintain the skin's integrity.

Let's take a good look at this ingredient.

Why is it important for the skin?

Enhance the skin barrier 

What is the skin barrier?

Let's examine the skin first to understand the skin barrier. The skin is composed of three parts: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each has a unique role in skin functions.

The epidermis is the outermost, cell-rich layer of the skin. It is a vital part of the skin barrier. 

The skin barrier comprises two parts: the skin cells (epithelial cells) and the fillers between the skin cells (mainly ceramides). Ceramides are the major non-cellular part of the barrier that acts as the 'glue' to keep the skin cells together to form a strong and water-resistant 'wall' to ensure our body's homeostasis and the normal skin physiological function. A good formulator needs to understand how to work with it to create versatile formulations. 

The main function of the skin barrier is to keep the optimal moisture in the skin. All skin physiological and biochemical properties heavily depends the skin 

The barrier defects is the main cause of skin dehydration. It also causes a chain reaction that devastates the skin, such as acne and dry skin, and speed up the skin aging process. 

This barrier, primarily composed of ceramides, is crucial for retaining moisture, supporting the skin's physical activities, and bolstering its defense mechanisms. 

Barrier defect in acne skin plays an important role in developing acne lesions and the dry skin. Even normal skin can also develop pimples if the barrier is damaged. 

To be continued...