CHOLESTEROL

The integrity of a healthy skin barrier depends on lipids, sometimes referred to as "The Big Three". These lipids are ceramides (about 50% by weight), sterols (about 25% by weight), and free fatty acids (about 10-20% by weight). In the stratum corneum precursor lipids are converted to ceramides and fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are precursors for these Big Three bioactive lipids. 

Cholesterol is an organic compound found in all tissues of human body, essential for key physiological roles. It maintains the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. It is also a metabolic precursor for other steroids such as vitamin D and sex hormones.

Cholesterol is the main sterol in the skin lipid barrier matrix. It keeps the integrity of the lamellar structure of skin and protects TEWL. 

In the skin, the concentration of The Big Three decline with age. Adequate external application of ingredients identical to skin's lipids aid in counteracting this downward spiral.  

The cholesterol we use at Askalite is vegetable derived and helps in strengthening the skin's barrier integrity, moisturizing and soothing irritated skin.

  

References:

Di Pasquale, Mauro G. "The essentials of essential fatty acids." Journal of dietary supplements 6.2 (2009): 143-161.

Feingold, Kenneth R., and Peter M. Elias. "Role of lipids in the formation and maintenance of the cutaneous permeability barrier." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids 1841.3 (2014): 280-294.