Why Ceramides Aren’t Enough and What Your Skin Actually Needs
If you swear by your ceramide-rich moisturizer, you’re not alone. Ceramides are vital to skin barrier health but they’re only part of the story. For true, long-term barrier repair, your skin needs more than just lipids. Activated Silk™ 33B-α is a science-backed peptide that gives your skin a deeper, smarter boost.
What Ceramides Do Well and Where They Fall Short
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that sit between skin cells, helping to seal in moisture and keep out irritants. When your skin barrier is healthy, ceramides help prevent dehydration and protect against external stressors.
But ceramides alone can’t:
Rebuild the biological structure of your skin barrier
Activate your skin’s internal repair systems
Work in every type of formula (especially watery or rinse-off ones)
In other words, ceramides support, but they don’t train your skin to heal itself.
What 33B-α (Silk Peptide) Brings to the Table
Activated Silk™ 33B-α, also known as Fibroin Oligopeptide-1, is more than a lipid — it’s a bioactive peptide that actually signals your skin to strengthen itself. Here’s how:
It boosts claudin-1, a key protein that helps skin cells bind together and form tight junctions.
It supports barrier function from the inside out — locking in hydration without being occlusive.
It’s water-soluble, which means it can work in formulas where ceramides struggle, like light serums or even rinse-off products.
Clinical Evidence That 33B-α Works Where Ceramides Can’t
According to studies and published data:
In as little as 7 days, 33B-α significantly reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning your skin is better at holding onto moisture.
Redness also visibly decreases in about a week inflammation calms as your barrier builds.
Over a month, users saw improved barrier integrity and smoother texture — a sign of long-term repair.
Why Your Skin Routine Needs Both Not One or the Other
For optimal barrier health:
Ceramides are great for immediate sealing and support especially in a moisturizer you apply daily.
33B-α is your long-game ingredient. It actually tells your skin to rebuild itself, strengthen junctions, and recover from damage.
Together, they’re a powerful duo one that locks in moisture and another that helps your skin learn how to protect itself.
Sustainable Performance Better for Skin & the Planet
Activated Silk™ 33B-α isn’t just smart for your skin, it's kind to the environment, too:
Made from upcycled silk cocoons instead of sourcing new raw materials.
Produced using water and salt, no harsh chemicals, and fully biodegradable.
Its formulation allows it to stay effective even in wash-off products, making it more flexible than typical occlusives.
How to Use It in Your Skincare Routine
Add a 33B-α serum after cleansing, before moisturizer.
Use it in formulations with ceramides for a layered repair approach.
Consider using it after procedures or on reactive skin since it supports recovery and reduces irritation.
Ready to take your barrier repair to the next level? Order Silk Peptide (33B-α) through our website or email us at wellness@prestonspharmacy.com to learn more.
