Pharmacological activity of natural lipids on a skin barrier disruption model

The lipids of the stratum corneum are considered responsible for the most important functions of the skin, such as the transepidermal water loss, as well as the transdermal penetration of the chemical substances. Topical application of lipids similar to the physiological stratum corneum (SC) on barrier disrupted skin, could enhance the recovery rate of the skin barrier. A mixture of natural lipids or liposomes with the same lipid composition, were applied and their pharmacological action was investigated. The tests were done in vivo, on the back of hairless mice. Comparative results were obtained and showed that the liposomes had a higher turnover of the skin barrier in contrast to that of the mechanical mixture of lipids. (C) 2000 Academic Press.