Ceramides 101: The Secret to a Healthy Skin Barrier

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Picture this: you’ve tried countless skincare products, but nothing seems to work. Your skin feels tight, dull and dehydrated. You’ve also invested in lots of moisturizers and serums only to be let down time and again. If all this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining their skin’s health in the face of environmental factors, stress, and aging.

But don’t worry, there’s a secret ingredient that can breathe new life into your skin: ceramides! Without this barrier, your skin would be susceptible to dryness, irritation, and premature aging. Ahead, meaning and various benefits that ceramides offer for the skin.

What exactly are ceramides?

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids or fats that are found abundantly in the outermost layer, known as the epidermis. These lipids form a protective barrier on the skin, preventing excessive water loss and protecting the skin from pollutants.

Think of skin cells as the brick and ceramides as the mortar. We all require “mortar” to keep the bad stuff out (pollution, microbes) and the good stuff in (water). It’s no wonder ceramides play a crucial role in protecting your skin.

ceramides-in-skincare-bricks-mortar
Source

Unfortunately, the ceramide content of our skin decreases significantly with age, and our skin’s health suffers. Result? Dry, rough, dehydrated skin. But hold on, there’s more! The good news is that you can manually put back what is lost from the skin by way of topical skincare. Ceramides in skincare products can help replenish the ceramides in your skin.

And since they occur naturally in the skin, it makes them an ideal ingredient for all skin types, even sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin.

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By the time you’re in your 30s, you have lost about 40% of your skin’s ceramides, and by your 40s, you have lost 60% of your skin’s natural ceramides. This decrease is accompanied by the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone as well as dryness, dullness and loss of firmness.

Ceramides Benefits for Skin:

  • Hydration: As mentioned earlier, these lipids form a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents water loss. By retaining moisture within the skin, ceramides help keep it soft, supple, and well-nourished. This moisturizing effect is particularly beneficial for people with dry or dehydrated skin.
  • Anti-aging properties: Ceramides work to improve the skin’s elasticity and texture, promoting a more youthful complexion over time. By incorporating ceramide-rich products into your skincare routine, you can help combat fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
  • Strengthens skin barrier: Ceramides play a vital role in the repair and regeneration of the skin. By strengthening the skin barrier, they promote the healing process of damaged skin cells which is especially beneficial for people with skin conditions, such as acne or sunburns.
  • Soothing properties: The calming effects of ceramides extend beyond alleviating skin irritation caused by external factors. These lipid superheroes also aid in calming the skin after procedures like chemical peels or laser treatments, reducing post-treatment redness and discomfort.

Ceramides-skin care-diagram-meaning-how-do-they-work

Some times on a product label, the chemical name of the ceramide is used (which doesn’t include the word ceramide at all.)

There are nine types of ceramides, conveniently named ceramide 1 through ceramide 9. Here’s what to look for on the product label:

  • Ceramide 1 = Ceramide EOS
  • Ceramide 2 = Cermamide NS = N-stearoyl sphinganine
  • Ceramide 3 = Ceramide NP = N-stearoyl phytosphingosine
  • Ceramide 4 = Ceramide EOH
  • Ceramide 5 = Ceramide AS
  • Ceramide 6 = Ceramide AP = α-hydroxy-N-stearoylphytosphingosine
  • Ceramide 6 II = Caproyl sphingosine
  • Ceramide 7 = Ceramide AH
  • Ceramide 8 = Ceramide NH
  • Ceramide 9 = Ceramide EOP
  • Ceramide E = Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide and Hexadecanamide

If you want the ceramides to work optimally, make sure the product you choose is also formulated with other fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9), or anti-oxidants (vitamin C, E), or skin-restoring ingredients (retinol, peptides, niacinamide).

Compatibility with Other Skincare Ingredients

Ceramides are versatile and easily complement other skincare ingredients. Whether you are targeting fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, or overall skin hydration, incorporating ceramides into your daily regimen can provide you with a well-rounded and effective skincare routine.

Can you use Ceramides and AHAs/BHAs together?

AHAs/BHAs are basically chemical exfoliants which help remove a layer of dead skin cells, which makes it easier for the ceramides to be absorbed by the skin. Try Mario Badescu’s A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer, $20.

Can you use Ceramides and Retinol (Vitamin A) together?

Retinol can be potentially irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. Ceramides when combined with retinol, strengthen the skin’s barrier, reducing the possibility of irritation.

The Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules, $84, combine the sought-after retinol molecule with skin barrier strengthening ceramides, to help skin to maintain a healthy moisture balance and prevent the potentially drying effect of retinol.

Can you use Ceramides and Vitamin C together?

Combining ceramides with vitamin C enhances the overall protective function of the skin. While vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and supports collagen synthesis, ceramides fortify the skin’s barrier, preventing the entry of pollutants that can compromise the skin’s health.

Can you use Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid together?

It’s a common misconception that ceramides and hyaluronic acid perform the same function. Yes, they both moisturize the skin, but work in fundamentally different ways.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, whereas ceramide is an occlusive.  The hyaluronic acid brings in the moisture and the ceramide prevents it from escaping. This combination results in plumper, more supple, and well-moisturized skin.

Shop Best Ceramides Products:

•  CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. Buy It: $19, ulta.com

•  Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides. Buy It: $44.20, paulaschoice.com

•  Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream. Buy It: $48, sephora.com

•  COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream. Buy It: $25, sokoglam.com

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