Effect of internal wool lipid liposomes on skin repair

Intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum (SC) play a crucial role in kee ping an optimal skin barrier function and in regulating the water-holding c apacity. Recently, the internal lipids have been extracted from wool fibre. This lipid extract has a composition similar to that of the SC lipids, Two parameters were used to test the effect of topically applied internal wool lipids (IWL), structured as liposomes, on the water barrier functions of d isturbed and intact skin: transepidermal water loss and skin capacitance. L iposomes made up of lipids that simulate the composition of the SC were als o applied for comparison. The single application of the IWL liposomes on di sturbed skin resulted in an accelerated recovery of water barrier functions . Daily application of these liposomes on intact skin for 5 days reinforced the skin barrier and increased the water-holding capacity. The repairing e ffect of the IWL enhances their suitability in the treatment, prevention an d care of skin. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.