What is Phytosphingosine and Why Does it Matter?
If you've ever read the ingredients on the back of the products that you use for yourself and your dog, you may have seen several ingredients that you couldn't even pronounce. When we see those unknown names on the list, the inclination might be to think those are artificial ingredients or chemicals that will do more harm than good. But, some of those long, scientific words may actually be beneficial ingredients in the skincare products you're using. One such word is phytosphingosine. In this article, we are going to discuss phytosphingosine, why it is so beneficial for your wrinkly dog, and where you can find it.
What is Phytosphingosine?
If you are an ingredient reader, you may have heard of ceramides. Ceramides are included to keep the skin moisturized by supporting the skin's barrier function. If you look at the labels of products that have ceramides however, you might notice that those products also contain phytosphingosine.
Phytosphingosine is a lipid molecule that is produced naturally in the body. It is a building block of ceramides, and it has an additional hydrophilic head group. This additional head group makes it more water-soluble and allows it to penetrate the skin more easily. This helps to keep the barrier function of the skin healthy and prevent water loss.
In other words, phytosphingosine is a super moisturizing and protective ingredient that actually helps to actively rebuild damaged skin at the surface!
Why is Phytosphingosine Good for Dogs?
Just like in humans, the lipid barrier of a dog's skin can become damaged. This can lead to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Phytosphingosine is a great ingredient for dogs because it helps to rebuild that lipid barrier and keep the skin healthy! It is also an anti-inflammatory agent, so it can help to calm inflamed skin.
For wrinkly dogs such as bulldogs and pugs, phytosphingosine is particularly helpful. The dirt, debris, and moisture that easily get trapped in their skin folds and wrinkles can cause the skin to become dry, cracked, and infected if not properly cared for. Phytosphingosine for dogs supports the skin’s barrier function and helps to prevent skin irritation or infection from forming.
Where Can I Find Phytosphingosine For My Dog?
This is where Squishface Wrinkle Wipes come in. Our wipes are unique among products for dogs because they contain phytosphingosine!
At Squishface, each ingredient is carefully selected to provide maximum benefits while still providing protection for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. Wrinkle Wipes do not contain alcohol, strong odors or perfumes, and no added ingredients such as lanolin or aloe that can irritate your dog’s skin. While phytosphingosine may be a difficult word to pronounce, we chose to include it in our Wrinkle Wipes because it is incredibly beneficial to your dog's skin.
Squishface Wrinkle Wipes not only cleans dirt and debris from your dog's skin, but because they contain phytosphingosine, they also help to actively rebuild any damaged skin at the surface!
The Bottom Line
Phytosphingosine is an important ingredient in dog skincare products, as it helps to restore the lipid barrier, protect against infection, and reduce inflammation. While it is a highly beneficial ingredient, it is still hard to find in products for dogs. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are unique because they include phytosphingosine. That is what makes our Wrinkle Wipes superior to any other comparable pet skin care product out there right now. They are a safe and effective way to keep your dog clean and protected.
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