In contrast to moisture-deficient skin, where an increased water requirement is the main problem, lipid-deficient skin has an elevated lipid requirement. During daily cleansing it is often overburdened by cleansing substances or soaps and loses valuable lipids.
Epidermal lipids play an important role in the skin’s barrier function. They form the cement which holds the horny cells together (brick & mortar model). The composition of these epidermal lipids determines the intactness of the permeability barrier (i). Sebum (i) (sebaceous fats (i)) and epidermal lipids are also important factors in the skin's moisture balance.

 

The problem 

 

Loss of epidermal and sebum lipids changes the composition of the hydrolipid film and barrier lipids. The skin becomes dry, rough and flaky. Lipid-deficient facial skin is prone to premature formation of fine lines, wrinkling and pigmentation spots. Skin suppleness decreases, barrier function is impaired, and transepidermal water (i) loss increases. Lipid-deficient sensitive skin needs to be cared for with natural and skin-related lipids. Especially important are ceramides, cholesterol and free unsaturated fatty acids.