Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Ceramides?TypesSkin BenefitsSkin Types and BenefitsProducts vs. Food or SupplementsChoosing the Right ProductSynthetic vs. NaturalIncorporating Them Into Your RoutineCombining With Other IngredientsSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are Ceramides?
Types
Skin Benefits
Skin Types and Benefits
Products vs. Food or Supplements
Choosing the Right Product
Synthetic vs. Natural
Incorporating Them Into Your Routine
Combining With Other Ingredients
Side Effects
Many skincare products, such as moisturizers and creams, contain natural or synthetic ceramides. Applying these products to your skin can replenish your skin’s ceramide levels, helping restore its natural barrier and improving overall skin health.
Sergey Mironov / Getty Images
Why Are Ceramides Used in Skincare?
Ceramides are a group of waxy lipids (fats) that play an important role in skin structure. They form the building blocks of yourskin’s natural barrier—the stratum corneum, or outer layer of the skin’s epidermis—forming a protective shield that locks in moisture and protects against potentially harmful environmental substances, such as infectious microbes and chemicals.
Natural ceramide levels can diminish due to aging and external factors, such as air pollution or exposure to irritants like chemicals. Without enough ceramides, it is harder for the skin to retain moisture, and your skin may become dry, develop fine lines (wrinkles), and become more sensitive. Too few ceramides can also compromise the skin’s protective barrier, making it easier for harmful substances to enter the skin.
Many topical skincare products contain synthetic (manufactured) ceramides that mimic the skin’s natural ceramides. These products can:
Types of Ceramides
There are several types of ceramides; each has a specific role in keeping the skin hydrated, protected, and healthy. Ceramides most commonly found in most skincare products include:
Benefits for the Skin
Replenishes Skin Barrier
Locks in Moisture
Ceramides reinforce the skin’s barrier, forming a protective layer on the surface that seals in hydration and prevents water loss, keeping the skin smooth and healthy. Evidence suggests that products containing ceramides may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Helps Protect Skin
Ceramides strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, shielding it from environmental irritants such as pollution and harsh weather conditions.They also make the skin less sensitive to infections and lower the risk of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis).
What Skin Types and Conditions Benefit From Added Ceramides?
Ceramides are safe and effective for mostskin types, including oily, dry, acne-prone, and combination skin.Ceramide-rich skin care products may be beneficial for people with certain skin types and conditions, including:
Are Skin Products Preferable Over Cermide Foods or Supplements?
Topical ceramide skincare products and ceramide supplements can benefit skin health, and there’s no definitive evidence that one is better than the other. Choosing between topical ceramides, ceramide-rich foods, or dietary supplements may depend on your specific skin concerns.
Topical Ceramides
Topical ceramides may be the most effective option for dry or aging skin. These products deliver ceramides directly to the skin’s surface to restore the skin barrier and replenish skin hydration, improving its texture and appearance. In research studies, topical ceramide moisturizers increased skin hydration within 24 hours after application.
Ceramides in Foods and Supplements
Foods rich in ceramides and dietary supplements can help boost ceramide levels internally, helping improve skin hydration and health from the inside out. Consuming ceramide-rich foods may help manage inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Examples of ceramide-rich foods include:
While ceramide supplements can effectively improve skin hydration, research suggests it may take up to 12 weeks to see results.
How to Choose the Right Ceramide Skincare Product for You
Severalskincare products contain ceramides, including creams, toners, serums, moisturizers, and cleaners. When selecting a ceramide-rich skincare product, consider the following factors:
Synthetic and natural ceramides both effectively support skin health, but they differ in the following ways:
Ultimately, choosing natural and synthetic ceramides depends on your preference and budget. Both types can effectively improve skin health when used in appropriate skincare products.
Incorporating Ceramides into Your Skincare Routine
Here’s how to effectively incorporate ceramides into yourskincare routineand maximize their benefits:
Can Ceramides Be Combined With Other Skincare Ingredients for Maximum Effect?
You can combine ceramides with other skincare ingredients to address specific skin concerns. The following ingredients may help enhance the benefits of ceramides:
Are There Any Risk of Side Effects?
When used as directed, topical and oral ceramides are safe and effective.However, like any skincare product, some people may have allergies or sensitivity to specific ingredients in ceramide-based products, such as fragrances or preservatives. Experts recommend patch testing before applying a new product to your skin.
To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of the product on a small skin area twice daily for about a week. Discontinue use if you notice any irritation, such as itching, burning, stinging, or redness.
If you have known allergies or sensitive skin, talk to a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, before trying new skincare products, including those containing ceramides. They can help you choose the right products and guide you on incorporating them into your skincare routine.
Summary
Ceramides are lipids that comprise about 50% of the skin’s outer layer. They help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, prevent moisture loss, and protect against environmental stressors. While the body naturally produces ceramides, their levels can decline with age or exposure to irritants like chemicals or UV radiation, leading to dryness and other skin concerns.
Many skincare products incorporate ceramides to replenish depleted levels and improve skin health. Incorporating ceramide-rich products into your daily skincare regimen can help restore your skin’s natural barrier and enjoy a healthier, more radiant complexion.
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