Benefits Of Phytosphingosine For Skin

Description

Phytosphingosine (PHS) is a sphingoid critical component of phytoceramides NP, AP, and EOP. PHS has been known to have anti-inflammation and antimicrobial activities and to stimulate epidermal differentiation[1]. In addition, it is reported that PHS treatment notably increased phytoceramide content in keratinocytes.

Benefits

The anti-inflammatory and pro-differentiating benefits of phytosphingosine occur through its action as a peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligand.

Anti-Inflammatory And Anti-Bacterial Benefits

When the skin barrier is compromised or weak, outside irritants tend to get inside the skin, which causes redness, dryness, itching, etc. In case of severe reactions, people may face skin conditions like eczema. Phytosphingosine can help treat these skin conditions. Recent studies show that phytosphingosine has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits, making it ideal for acne and irritated skin conditions. Phytosphingosine inhibited irritant contact dermatitis produced by the topical application of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). It also inhibited epidermal thickening and edema associated with the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the skin by blocking the TPA-induced generation of the pro-inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2.19

Protects Skin Barrier

Just like every other delicate thing on earth, skin needs protection. As explained earlier, the skin's outer layer has a protective barrier to keep toxins at bay. Phytosphingosine stops irritants from entering the skin's protective barrier, preventing dry patches, redness, rashes, painful bumps, and acne.

Boosts The Natural Moisturizing Factor

Start losing natural moisturizing factor (NMF) with age, and the skin becomes dry and rough. People may also notice fine lines and wrinkles. According to studies, phytosphingosine locks the moisture in the skin, modulating filaggrin metabolic pathways. The effect of PHS on filaggrin (FLG) metabolism was manifested as the increase of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and skin hydration in vivo human skin. Results showed that PHS had a skin moisturizing effect by modulating FLG metabolic pathways and suggested an essential role in the coordinated formation of the corneocyte envelope and NMF within.

NMF keeps the surface of the skin hydrated and supple. Skincare products enriched with phytosphingosine can help to infuse NMF in the skin. Apart from working as a shield for the skin, phytosphingosine prevents water loss and saves from dehydration.

References

[1] Hyun Kyung Choi. “Phytosphingosine enhances moisture level in human skin barrier through stimulation of the filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to NMF formation.” Archives of Dermatological Research 309 10 (2017): 795–803.

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