A physiological approach to dry skin

By identifying the dysregulation of global lipid metabolism as the common denominator in dry and dehydrated skin, research conducted by Meyer Bio-Medicine and Shandong University (China) has shown that simply providing lipids is not enough to resolve these issues. In reality, these skin types suffer more from systemic disorganisation than a mere lack of beneficial lipids. Studies have highlighted an abnormally elevated and disorganised lipid signature, with 83 lipids being overexpressed and accumulating chaotically, which impairs the skin’s water retention capacity. Cer-AP, Cer-AS and Cer-NS type ceramides showed a strong correlation with dehydration, while the metabolic pathways of sphingolipids and triglycerides were identified as the main drivers of this dysfunction. Hence, targeting metabolic rebalancing emerges as the key strategy for restoring the skin barrier and improving hydration.