If you thought cholesterol is bad for you, think again.
A new Korean study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science evaluated the effects of major lipid (fat) ingredients in moisturizers. Cholesterol, linoleic acid and N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine, a synthetic ceramide, were evaluated on skin responses to UV in tape-stripped human skin. After two days of lipid application, the areas were irradiated with UV and skin samples were examined 24 hours after UV exposure.
Topical cholesterol significantly decreased the degree of inflammatory processes and cellular disruption while topical linoleic acid increased the initiation of cell death. Like linoleic acid, topical N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine did not benefit skin and was shown to increase the expression of factors detrimental to skin health.
Cholesterol in your moisturizer. Coming soon to a drugstore near you?
