Compositions comprising a combination of a free sphingoid base and a ceramide and uses thereof

A composition for topical use comprising a combination of a free sphingoid base and a ceramide, said free sphingoid base having a general structure according to Formula 1:

• 3
• wherein:
• A is CH2—CH2, CH═CH or C(H)OH—CH2, and
• R is a straight chain or branched alkyl group having 10 to 22 carbon atoms which may optionally contain one or more double bonds and/or may optionally be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, preferably is a straight chain alkyl group having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably is a straight chain alkyl group having 13 carbon atoms, and
• said ceramide having a general structure according to Formula 2:
• 4
• wherein:
• A and R are defined as above, and
• R′ is a straight chain or branched alkyl group having 13 to 55 carbon atoms, preferably 15 to 50 carbon atoms, more preferably 17 to 44 carbon atoms;
• the alkyl chain may optionally be interrupted by an oxygen atom or by an internal ester group;
• may optionally contain one or more double bonds;
• and may optionally be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups.