Supplements which improve the health of our hair, skin and nails are now commonplace – but they may have given way to a new breed of oral cosmetics.

American company P.L.Thomas is introducing a ceramide-containing moisturising ingredient to the US market. The ingredient, called Lipowheat, can help improve skin hydration when taken topically or orally, the company claims.

The theory is that a lack of ceramides (lipid molecules found in the cell membranes) can lead to problems with the skin barrier, making skin dry and dehydrated. It is thought that adding these molecules into the system can help improve skin hydration and ease the roughness, itching and redness which is often associated with dry skin.

As Lipowheat is colorless, has good solubility and little taste, it has excellent potential for use in drinks as well as tablet form. A two-pronged attack will probably provide the biggest benefits for the skin – oral intake of the Lipowheat combined with topical application through lotions and creams. Sounds promising!