The Benefits of Phytosphingosine and Restoring the Skin Barrier

The Importance of Keeping the Skin Barrier Healthy

The skin, the largest organ in the body, is made up of layers that act to keep contaminants out and water in. The skin is made up of three layers:  epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. These layers together function as:

• A mechanical barrier against allergens and other foreign material

• A microbial barrier consisting of normal healthy microflora (bacteria and yeast)

• An immunological barrier that provides a natural defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is now recognized as critical in maintaining good dermatologic health.

When there is an imbalance or defect in the skin barrier there are consequences:

• Pruritus

• Allergen penetration and reaction

• Predisposition to bacterial and fungal skin/ear infections

• Abnormal cell turnover 

• Abnormal production of sebum 

• Dry skin

Untreated, these conditions do not go away. The skin barrier continues to break down and the condition worsens, increasing the patient’s misery.  

Research has shown that when there is a diminished barrier function, there is also a decreased level of ceramides and altered ceramide profiles.  

The good news for pets, as well as owners and veterinary team members, is that a molecule called phytosphingosine, found in the line of DOUXO® (pronounced “duke-so”) topical dermatology products, can help restore the skin barrier.

What is Phytosphingosine?

Ceramides are a major component in the skin’s structure.  In the skin structure of the dog, 11 ceramides have been identified.  These ceramides:

• promote cohesion of the stratum corneum and skin barrier integrity,¹ and

• stimulate the production of ceramides, thereby improving barrier function.¹

Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide. In essence, phytosphingosine helps repair and rebuild the damaged skin. In addition to its repair activity, phytosphingosine has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.²

DOUXO® with phytosphingosine is available in 4 formulation categories, each designed to address a specific dermatologic need for dogs and cats:

1. DOUXO® Calm helps manage skin inflammation. It helps soothe and relieve pruritus and hot spots resulting from allergies.

2. DOUXO® Chlorhexidine provides antiseptic cleansing of the skin. It helps soothe skin irritation and supports a healthy skin barrier.

3. DOUXO® Seborrhea helps manage all seborrhea types, dry, oily, and a combination of both forms. 

4. DOUXO® Micellar is a gentle cleansing solution for sensitive ears and skin folds.

Why are Ceramides Important?

Ceramides are a family of waxy lipid molecules, composed of sphingosine and a fatty acid, that help maintain the water permeability function of the skin. Each ceramide is different and unique and when addressing skin disease it is often hard to tell which one may be depleted or missing. Using a product like DOUXO®, which features a pro-ceramide with the adaptability to help synthesize ceramides needed, increases the likelihood that the individual issue will be addressed. Learn more about the DOUXO® line of products today.

DOUXO® is a registered trademark of Ceva Santé Animale S.A.