A naturally occurring lipid (fat-like molecule) in cell membranes that is a precursor to ceramides, important structural molecules in skin and nerve cells.
From 'di-' (two) + 'hydro-' (hydrogen) + 'sphingosine' (a long-chain amino alcohol). Named in the 20th century when biochemists discovered this intermediate compound in the complex pathway of lipid synthesis.
Dihydrosphingosine is nature's building block for your skin barrier—your body makes it, then adds one more hydrogen-related group to transform it into ceramides that keep your skin from drying out and your nerves insulated.
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