Skin Care News

Ingredient Focus: Ceramide

Ingredient Focus: Ceramide

Most effective and heavy-duty moisturizers tailored for really dry skin are likely to be formulated with ceramide. So the question is, what is it and how does it work? It’s time for me to share what I know about this ingredient, and you can decide for yourself if it’s really worth the hype.

What are ceramides?

In essence, ceramides are fatty acids. Don’t be alarmed by the way it sounds. Your skin barrier is naturally made up of 50% ceramides, and these fatty acids function as building blocks for your skin to retain moisture. As you age, the level of ceramides in your skin gradually decreases. I’m sure everyone who’s reached or gone past their mid-twenties will notice how their skin just doesn’t hold up as well as it used to. When your skin isn’t producing enough ceramides, it’ll become dry, itchy and irritated, and fine lines will become increasingly noticeable. 

Begone, dry skin

Those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis suffer from a damaged skin barrier that cannot retain moisture effectively. This results in symptoms like constant dryness, itchiness, redness and increased sensitivity. Honestly, there’s really no limit to how much ceramide you should use. Dermatologists recommend using a ceramide moisturizer twice daily for those with dry skin, but other skin types will also benefit from incorporating ceramides into their daily skin care.

Can I use ceramide on my skin type?

Since ceramides are already part of your skin’s infrastructure, it can be used on all skin types and in conjunction with other ingredients. As a moisturizing ingredient, ceramides also help fortify and restore broken skin barriers. You’ll find that troubled skin, like acne-prone, sensitive and mature skin, reacts to external aggressors more quickly – a telltale sign of a weakened skin barrier.

For better results, make sure the rest of the product formula contains ingredients that target your skin concerns as well!

How quickly should I see results?

No method is more effective in replenishing skin ceramide levels than topical creams and treatments. With skincare that contains a higher concentration of ceramide, you’ll feel its effects even after using it for a short period of time. Skin will feel softer and smoother, with better resilience against environmental damage and breakouts.

Incorporate it into your routine

It's important to make at least one step of your skincare routine a ceramide product. The most effective ones often face creams, serums, and essences, but many brands have started incorporating them into other types of products, like sheet masks and face and body washes.

What’s your view on ceramides? Let us know in the comment section below!

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