Phospholipids and their function
Our skin is composed of several structures, layers of cells and tissues. One type of cell is lipids and phospholipids, which play a key role in maintaining skin integrity and function. Phospholipids and lipids in the skin work together to help maintain the integrity and function of the skin barrier, which is key to maintaining healthy skin. Their balance and proper function is important for protecting the skin from external influences and maintaining optimal hydration.
Phospholipids are a class of lipoid (fatty) molecules that play a key role in the structure of cell membranes. They are the molecules that form the building blocks of the phospholipid bilayer that surrounds cells and subcellular structures. They have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repellent) tail, which allows for the formation of a bilayer membrane where the hydrophilic parts are oriented outward and inward, while the hydrophobic parts are inward.
Functions of phospholipids in the body:
Structural role: Phospholipids are key components of cell membranes, ensuring the integrity and flexibility of cells.
Transport role: Phospholipids can serve as carriers for the transport of hydrophilic substances across the hydrophobic core membrane.
Signaling: Some phospholipids serve as precursors for second messengers, which are molecules that mediate signals within cells.
Effects of phospholipids on skin
They have moisturizing properties and may contribute to maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. Phospholipids are able to attract water, thereby improving skin hydration. They can also help restore the skin's lipid barrier, which is important for retaining moisture and preventing dryness.
Loss of phospholipids
With age, there is a natural decrease in the body's production of certain substances, including phospholipids. This can result in a weakening of the skin's lipid barrier and loss of hydration.
Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to oxidation of lipids, causing them to break down and weaken the skin's protective barrier. The use of aggressive cleansers or cosmetic products with irritating ingredients can remove the natural oils and phospholipids from the skin, thus disrupting the top layer of the skin and drying it out. Of course, diet also has an impact on the state of our skin. If it is poor in the intake of certain nutrients, especially essential fatty acids, it can affect the formation and structure of phospholipids in the skin. Long-term stress also has a negative effect. Last but not least, genetics plays a role.
Loss of phospholipids can lead to a breakdown of the skin's protective barrier, causing loss of moisture, dryness, irritation and increased skin sensitivity. We recommend using gentle washing and make-up removing products that respect sensitive skin. That's why we developed our Snow White gentle makeup remover with natural oils that is washable with water. It dissolves makeup and impurities. And the gentle Velvet Touch cleansing gel with soap chlorine, free of aggressive SLS foaming ingredients. Keeps skin clean, does not dry out skin.
You can restore the phospholipid layer with the appropriate cosmetics. In addition to collagen, Hello Beautiful Lifting Serum contains psoriasis peptides that can activate the production of high-quality collagen. They behave similarly to a collagen filler, have a lifting effect and are 100% natural. Phospholipids are also contained in Magical phyto Retinol, an elixir for the eye area. Together with fruit, plant extracts, minerals, coenzyme Q10, algae extract and bakuchiol, it cares for the sensitive eye area. You'll discover phospholipids in the ingredients of our Sleeping Beauty night oil serum. It contains a combination of 15 of nature's most potent plant oils with 11 other nourishing fruit and plant extracts and vitamins that work with plankton and retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigment spots.