By: Ayana Kashikar

What are They 

What do avocados and moisturizers have in common? Well, besides being part of a Pinterest morning routine, they both contain fats, or lipids. 

Of course, we’ve all heard about the benefits of healthy fats when it comes to our diet, but how exactly do they help our skin? 

It all starts with a specific fat called a phospholipid. Found naturally in each of your cells’ membranes, phospholipids are composed of two main parts: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-hating) tail. This combination allows for the phospholipids to orient themselves in a structure called a lipid bilayer. This bilayer works like a cellular security guard, keeping water molecules in to maintain hydration, while simultaneously repelling external irritants. 

How Do They Work in Skincare 

When applied topically, phospholipids use a similar technique as they do within our cells. Essentially, they use their hydrophobic structure to create a seal that water molecules cannot pass through, trapping moisture and preventing evaporation, AKA, transdermal water loss. 

Since the moisture is being “locked in” to your skin, it has an extended period of time to soak in and work its way deeper into the epidermis (or your outermost layer of skin). As our skin inevitably obtains more damage (whether it be through sun exposure or aging), our epidermis becomes thinner and weaker, losing its ability to hold on to moisture. In order to prevent dryness, moisture-locking phospholipids are essential; they keep our skin hot, healthy, and hydrated!

Lock in and stay hydrated this summer with phospholipids!

XO,

BiotechBeauty®