Ceramides are a complex family of lipids (fats) which are involved in cell signalling, skin barrier health and the ability of our skin to hold onto water. In the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the very outermost layer of our skin, ceramides make up 50% of the lipid matrix in the bricks and mortar arrangement of the statum corneum. Cholesterol and essential fatty acids are the other essential components .

A healthy skin barrier is the goal of all good skin care since it creates a water tight seal, preventing moisture from escaping out and irritants penetrating in.

A damaged skin barrier on the other hand is a 'leaky' seal, allowing water to be lost leading to dry and dehydrated skin. Irritants can penetrate also resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation and sensitive skin. Harsh cleansers or over cleansing and environmental factors are the main contributors to a damaged skin barrier. Any process that disturbs the healthy balance of lipids will cause damage to the skin barrier.

Since ceramides, cholesterol and essential fatty acids must be in the perfect ratio for the repair and maintainance of a healthy skin barrier, adding only ceramides to a product formula will actually cause even more damage to the skin barrier and harmfully increase trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) . All 3 components must be present and in the perfect ratio. Rest assured our Collagenesis Day Cream is formulated with the exact required ratio to ensure optimum skin barrier health and strength.