Understanding Skin Barrier Ingredients: Skin-Barrier™ vs. Ceramide Complex

Let's clarify the roles of Skin-Barrier™ (Skin Mimic) and Ceramide Complex in restoring the skin barrier.

Can Skin-Barrier™ Replace MLE?

Skin-Barrier™ (Skin Mimic) is a liposomal ceramide blend designed to mimic the natural lipid structure of the skin barrier, containing Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Free Fatty Acids in specific proportions. This composition and function are very similar to the principles behind Multi-Lamellar Emulsion (MLE) technology, which also aims to replicate the skin's lipid layers to enhance barrier repair. Therefore, Skin-Barrier™ can effectively serve a similar purpose to the lipid components used in MLE formulations for restoring and strengthening the skin barrier.

Why Use Skin-Barrier™ with Ceramide Complex?

While Ceramide Complex (Water Dispersible Powder) provides a concentrated source of Ceramide (specifically Ceramide NP) and Phospholipid, the skin barrier is composed of a complex mixture of lipids, including Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Free Fatty Acids, in a specific ratio. For optimal skin barrier restoration, it's beneficial to provide these lipids in the correct balance.

The description for Ceramide Complex notes that to complete its function, it should be used with Cholesterol or Skin-Barrier™. This is because Skin-Barrier™ is formulated with Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Phospholipid, and free fatty acids in proportions designed to mimic the skin's natural lipid barrier. It also comes in a stable, absorbable micro-emulsion form.

Therefore, adding Skin-Barrier™ to a formulation containing Ceramide Complex helps to provide the full spectrum of essential lipids in the correct ratios and a highly effective form, leading to more complete and efficient skin barrier repair than using Ceramide Complex alone.