Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream Mechanism of Action

What is itch and how can it be treated: In case of dry skin or atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema), the lipids from the horny layer (also called the skin barrier) are damaged and this can induce itch. These lipids which are mainly ceramides act as a natural protection against irritation. When this protective barrier is damaged, water escapes from the skin leading to skin dryness and itch. Further, the weakened skin barrier is less effective at protecting against entry of irritants into the body and this also causes even more itch. Therefore, in conditions such as dry skin or atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema), restoration of the protective skin barrier by the use of special creams such as Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream to reduce itch is a key part of treatment.
How does Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream repair the skin barrier: The skin barrier is the most external part of the skin. It is a highly organized structure made of a succession of lipids layers: the lamellar lipids which are arranged in superimposed layers. The main lipids in these layers are ceramides. Between these layers, natural moisturisers bind the water into the skin barrier and ensure it is kept properly moisturised.
Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream contains a special Lipid Lamellar Technology for soothing of irritations and fast relief of itch. It contains lipids with a lamellar structure similar to the structure of the skin's own lipids like ceramides. The lamellar oriented lipids can integrate and bind to the damaged lipid barrier of the horny layer and by this restore it providing a fast onset of itch relief within 30 minutes after application. A fully intact protective barrier is important as when damaged it causes itch. Long-lasting moisturisation helps the skin to recover and thereby reduces the itch and irritation. Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream also contains physiological humectants like glycerin to bind water into the skin like in healthy skin. This effect is supported by Panthenol which moisturises the skin barrier and hence provides optimal conditions for the natural regeneration process of the skin.
Contrarily to regular creams, Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream does not contain emulsifiers which are known to damage the delicate lipid lamellar structure of the skin.
Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream is free of perfumes and preservatives which are known to be irritants. Hence Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream relieves itch quickly by imitating the skin in three ways: By providing lipids (eg. Ceramides) in lamellas like in the skin barrier thanks to the Lipid Lamellar Technology; By providing physiological humectants for increased moisturisation; By providing natural caring lipids.
This allows a restoration of the skin barrier resulting in itch relief.