The long list of ceramides' benefits can be reduced to hydration and skin protection. Not shabby at all! Indeed, ceramides are powerful skincare ingredients often overlooked and taken for granted. However, they have the unique ability to rejuvenate skin's appearance.
When building our skincare routine, we tend to get dazzled by innovative actives or luxurious masks and skip the basics. Yes, we are aware that there are different skin types and different concerns to be addressed. But, if one thing is for sure, it is that hydration is essential.
Indeed, it doesn't matter if you are a chemical exfoliant addict or are more inclined to fade hyperpigmentation. You must have healthy skin before trying out different actives. And this is where ceramides come into play!
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are essential lipids (fat) present in the top skin layer. They account for nearly 50% of the total lipids in the stratum corneum. Along with cholesterol and free fatty acids, they help protect our skin barrier.
Ceramides are like the glue that helps hold skin cells together. For this, it is often used the "bricks and mortar" metaphor. By forming a protective layer, ceramides diminish moisture loss and protect our skin from free radicals1.
You get hydration and protection in one powerful ingredient! And we all know that happy and hydrated skin translates into a younger completion. So, ceramides are at the same antiaging shelf as retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, since our body naturally produces ceramides, they are considered skin-identical ingredients. Hence, they are gentle, have no side effects, and are ideal for all skin types—especially sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin.
A Complete List of Ceramides' Benefits
First and foremost, ceramides act as a shield and help maintain the skin barrier function. This is very important because a disrupted skin barrier is prone to bacteria, inflammation, and irritation2.
Hence, ceramides are the bodyguards of the stratum corneum!
They keep everything in check, including the skin barrier homeostasis. Actually, because of its efficacy in this matter and its anti-inflammatory properties, many studies have focused on the roles of ceramides in both healthy and diseased skin.
Patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and even acne, have decreased levels of ceramides and altered ceramide profiles. Hence, topical ceramides supplementation may fix those deficiencies and improve skin condition2.
Secondly, and equally important, ceramides can be considered the skin's natural moisturizer. They prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning they help the skin retain its moisture.
Due to their water-binding capacities and locking-in-moisture effect, ceramides reverse dehydration and are the go-to ingredient for dry skin.
In a study of senile xerosis, aka dry skin in old patients, there was an improvement in skin hydration, TEWL, skin pH, and wrinkle after only 7-day post-treatment3.
Also, a study showed that ceramide-based cream significantly decreased TEWL over 24 hours and was shown to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating to the skin and eyes4.
Additionally, ceramides protect us from pollution and external stressors. Indeed, free radicals can translate over time in wrinkles and skin texture. Ceramides help us fight aging signs, keeping our skin supple and hydrated.
Why Should We Incorporate Ceramides into Our Skincare Routine?
Even though our body naturally produces ceramides, age and UV light damage depletes the skin's natural production and eventually reduces its effectiveness in protecting the skin barrier.
The results are visible signs of dehydration. Not only wrinkles and dry skin. Irritation, redness, and even breakouts are the tell-tale signs of dehydrated skin too. So, the only logical thing to do is apply them topically!
Even though ceramides are naturally present in our bodies, ceramides-based skincare products are primarily synthetic or derived from plants. There are also oral ceramide supplements. But they are not good enough if you want long-lasting effects.
How to Find Ceramides in Skincare Products?
There are different ceramides incorporated into skincare formulations, but identifying them sometimes can be complex.
There are nine different types found in the skin and, even though their structure may differ, their function is pretty much the same. So don't stress over it!
You'll see the word ceramide on the ingredients label under several names (ceramide AP, NG, EOP, NS, or NP), but not always.
You could find phytosphingosine and sphingosine as popular ingredients too. These are ceramide precursors, meaning they supply the "bricks" necessary for the skin to make ceramides1.
Let's Talk About Ceramide 2
Ceramide 2 is a type of ceramide that gets the job well done and fast! It keeps the skin hydrated, supple, and smooth. Also, it leads to a rapid and efficient repair of the cutaneous barrier.
A short-term study considered 13 volunteers with dry skin who applied an emulsion containing 1% Ceramide 2 versus placebo after total delipidation (destruction of the cutaneous barrier). In just 2 hours, there was a decrease in TEWL up to -22%!
Also, in a medium-term study, after 21 days of ceramide 2 cream usage, TEWL was decreased by nearly 51%. So, we could say that ceramide 2 is genuinely effective, and its performance gets only better with continuous usage.
By diminishing moisture loss, this molecule helps reinforce the epidermis structure to resist external aggressions. As a consequence, your skin gets an instant rejuvenating makeover, one that is long-lasting.
The Takeaway
Even though you most probably had no idea of what ceramides were at the beginning of this article, we are pretty sure that by now, you are clear on what they do and their benefits.
So, ALWAYS remember ceramides! Especially when you could have gone a little overboard with irritating ingredients like chemical exfoliants or retinol.
When you see your skin flaky, dry or red, pamper it with a good dose of ceramides. Your skin will thank you later. After all, you can't go wrong when you nourish your skin and provide it with a much-needed hydration dose.
So, do you want to give ceramides a try? You can't go wrong with Ceramide 2.
