Abstract:
Ceramides are sphingolipids found in stratum corneum of the skin epidermis, where fatty acid is
connected to sphingosine via amide linkage. Ceramides along with cholesterol: cholesteryl esters: fatty
acid are found as lipids in startum corneum in a highly ordered lamellar form which is involved in skin
barrier functions and is involved in regulating transepidermal water loss through skin. Alterations of
ceramide molecular profiles are characterized in skin diseases associated with impaired permeability
barrier functions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and xerosis. The role of ceramides in healthy and
diseased skin have paved the way of research towards the use of ceramides as therapeutic agents for
improving skin barrier function. This review focuses on the role of Ceramides in skin diseases and their
use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products to improve or restore skin barrier function.
