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If you path beauty trends, you've likely detected of ceramides. This popular skin care ingredient is touted A retention cutis moisturized by supporting its roadblock function.

Check out the labels of your darling skin care brands, and you may notice one other ingredient in many of the same products: phytosphingosine. It's actually a unit of ceramides.

One time you know to look for it, you'll notice phytosphingosine in all sorts of skincare products — from creams and toners to makeup and masks. Here's what you indigence to know about phytosphingosine, including what it does and where you sack find it.

The gens sounds big scientific, but phytosphingosine is actually just a lipid, Beaver State a type of fat.

It's naturally found in the outer layer of your skin A well as in many an plants and animals.

When added to skincare products, phytosphingosine enhances skin's barrier office. A strong skin roadblock protects the dead body from allergens and irritants and helps seal in moisture.

"Phytosphingosine is considered a precursor to ceramides, which are the ascendent fat that fills in the cracks 'tween skin cells," says Josue Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Setting Sinai Hospital's department of dermatology. In other words, phytosphingosine combines with other lipids to form ceramide.

Because phytosphingosine also has antimicrobial and has anti-inflammatory properties, it's useful in treating conditions like acne, adds Zeichner.

Some mongoose-like research suggests that the anti-inflammatory drug actions of phytosphingosine derivatives might flush make the ingredient effective at treating inflammatory skin conditions.

"Phytosphingosine is used in skin care products to kickshaw a variety show of inflammatory skin conditions, much as eczema," says Zeichner.

You won't find creams operating room pills with phytosphingosine as the sole ingredient. It's recorded alongside other barrier-reconstructing ingredients, much As ceramides and hyaluronic dot, in moisturizing serums, creams, toners, and makeup.

Zeichner recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which contains a blend of phytosphingosine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to assistanc repair the outer shinny level and hydrate skin. "This is a fragrance-liberate, general moisturizer that dismiss be victimised on the body and even on the face," says Zeichner.

Here are a few other available skincare products that contain phytosphingosine:

  • Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner: With phytosphingosine, sodium hyaluronate, and ceramides, this lightweight daily toner provides light hydration that's meant to balance oily skin.
  • bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Opposing-Redness Mattifying Primer: Developed for acne-prone sputte, this makeup primer contains zinc, atomic number 16, and clay to avail clear pores, and phytosphingosine to encouragement pelt's defenses against bacteria.
  • Summer Fridays Special K Lag Mask: This hydrating masquerade party boasts roadblock-boosting phytosphingosine, ceramides, and vitamin C. Apply for 10 transactions and rinse.
  • Stiff Elephant C-Tango Eye Pick: Skin-brightening antioxidants, including vitamin C and peptides, combine with moisture-boosting phytosphingosine, ceramides, and hyaluronate to improve the appearance of tired under-eye skin.

Phytosphingosine is considered safe for all skin types. "Phytosphingosine-containing products can be used happening a daily footing," says Zeichner. "It is a soothing and hydrating ingredient that will not lead to skin irritation and can be combined with other products."

If your skin becomes red, burns, or stings when you try any skincare product, you should wash information technology off right departed, Zeichner adds.

Phytosphingosine is a type of fatten that of course occurs in skin cells. It's often added to serums, creams, toners, and makeup to accompaniment your skin's barrier function. With both healthful and anti-inflammatory properties, IT's helpful in treating acne and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

Although phytosphingosine is appease and considered safe for all skin types, you should full point using any new skincare product that irritates your hide.

Colleen de Bellefonds is a Paris-based health and wellness journalist with all over a decade of experience regularly writing and redaction for publications including WhatToExpect.com, Women's Health, WebMD, Healthgrades.com, and CleanPlates.com. Find her on Twitter.