Skincare Benefits of Ceramides, How to Use, Tips For Buying

Key takeaways

• While naturally present in the skin, ceramides can also be found in many skincare products.
• For optimal effects and a holistic skincare approach, consider consuming natural foods rich in ceramides alongside topical skincare ceramide products.
• Ceramides are safe for all skin types. Their benefits include hydrating the skin, reducing signs of aging, and treating acne.

You've likely heard the buzz about ceramides, particularly with the popularity of skincare brands like CeraVe. But what exactly are they, and why should you consider incorporating them into your skincare routine?

Read on to find out.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids that help to protect the skin barrier. It helps to keep the skin looking moisturized and prevents skin dryness. Just as collagen is found naturally in the skin, so are ceramides. 

However, factors like aging, over-exfoliation, and exposure to oxidative stress can deplete the ceramides found naturally in the skin. To combat this loss, you can apply ceramides topically to boost moisture levels and prevent the skin from cracking. 

Ceramides can also be found in many skincare products, like face cleansers, serums, toners, and moisturizers.

Benefits of ceramides

Ceramides are great moisturizers and have tons of benefits for the skin, such as hydration and helping the skin retain moisture. A study showed that ceramide-based creams, formulated to mimic the skin's natural barrier, provide longer-lasting hydration compared to other moisturizers.

Ceramides also help to reduce the signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Other benefits of adding ceramides to your skincare routine include: 

• They help protect the skin's barrier.
• They help treat acne.
• They are effective against skin infections and allergic reactions. 
• They help keep the epidermis oil-free, thereby preventing clogged pores that can cause breakouts.

How ceramide works

Ceramides are the main type of fat found in the layers between the cells of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost part of the skin. These layers work together to create a strong barrier, protecting the skin from external elements.

Since ceramides are the main part of the fats between skin cells and help retain moisture, they are essential for long-term relief from dryness and reduced skin sensitivity. 

While the type and structure of ceramides determine their specific function, their main role is to help the stratum corneum retain water.

Types of ceramides

There are two main types of ceramides: natural and synthetic. Both types function similarly to protect the skin barrier and prevent water loss.

Scientists also classify ceramides based on the type of chemical compound called sphingosine and the fatty acid that binds to it. The 12 types of ceramides are:

• Ceramide NDS
• Ceramide NS
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide NH
• Ceramide ADS
• Ceramide AS
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide AH
• Ceramide EODS
• Ceramide EOS
• Ceramide EOP
• Ceramide EOH

How to use

When using a ceramide moisturizer, here's a simple step-by-step process you can follow:

• Cleanse (Use a face cleanser of choice, preferably one ideal for your skin type or skin concerns)
• Tone
• Apply Serum (they can help increase the potency of a ceramide moisturizer)
• Moisturize (this is the point where you apply your ceramide moisturizer)
• Protect your skin with SPF sunscreen during the daytime

For enhanced effectiveness, ceramide moisturizers should be used twice daily, in the morning and at night.

What to consider when purchasing ceramide products

The following should be taken into consideration when purchasing products containing ceramide: 

• Skin type: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should look for lightweight, preferably water-based formulations rather than oil-based products. If you have dry skin, the ideal product would be ceramide moisturizers and other products recommended for dry skin types.
• Product texture: As stated in the previous point, your skin type should guide your choice of product texture. If you have oily skin, it would be best to stay away from heavy moisturizing or oil-based ceramide lotions.
• Ingredients and concentration: The ingredient list should contain at least one of the types of ceramides, and a higher concentration would normally indicate more effectiveness, but speak with a dermatologist if you're unsure of the concentration that's best for you.
• Irritants: If you have sensitive skin, especially, look out for irritants like alcohol, fragrance, and parabens. 
• Dermatologists' recommendation: As essential as product reviews are for making the right choice of products, they do not beat the recommendations of dermatologists through clinical testing. So, make sure the products have been approved by dermatologists and are safe for your skin type and its peculiar needs.

Products that contain ceramides

More products contain ceramides, but this is a short list of some popular ones. Dermatologists have tested and approved them, and they are skin-safe.

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.
• Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides.
• COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream.
• Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Moisturizer.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream.

Potential side effects

There aren't any known side effects of ceramides, or if there are, would be in rare cases. Although, as with any skincare product, it is important to know if you are allergic to the ingredients. To be safe, always perform a patch test before applying a new product to your face.

Wrap up

Aside from generously using ceramides topically, it is best to pair them with foods rich in ceramides, like eggs and poultry, dairy products, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, that help promote the production of natural ceramides and deeply nourish the body.