Ceramides are one of the 3 key classes of lipids that form the lamellar membranes coating the external surfaces of the cells of the outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum. Normally, each of these 3 key lipids is present in equal proportions (‘equimolar’). According to professor of Dermatology and skin scientist, Mary L. Williams, M.D., a deficiency of any one of the 3 key lipids results in a leaky skin barrier.
A common skin disorder, Excema, exhibits a deficiency of ceramides which results in a leaky skin barrier. Restoring the balance of ceramides and, therefore, the health of the skin barrier, is key to healing excema.
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