What are ceramides and how do they help our skin?
Ceramides are a type of fat (or lipid) contained in our skin cells. In fact, about 50%^ of our epidermis (the layer of skin we can see) is made up of ceramides.
What’s to love about ceramides?
Remember the skin barrier?
It’s an important part of our defence against germs, pollutants and toxins. Dry, irritated or broken skin are a sign that the skin barrier has weakened.
Ceramides help create a barrier that lets our skin retain water, which is key in maintaining moisture and keeping the skin barrier healthy.Think of ceramides as protectants that hold the skin together: they help maintain our skin barrier, boost hydration and contribute to a glowing complexion.^
When do I apply a ceramide?
Use your ceramides alongside your favourite active ingredients, such as antioxidants, peptides, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
Ceramide levels decrease over time as a result of sun damage, ageing and irritation. When this happens, the skin barrier further weakens, and we can experience dull, dry or sensitive skin. “Topping up” the ceramides in our skin can help rebuild the skin barrier and maintain moisture.
When you apply ceramides depends on the product that contains them.
- Cleanser with ceramides? Apply first!
- Moisturiser with ceramide? Apply last at thing night or before sunscreen in the morning.
More on dry skin and ceramides
Dry skin makes fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable – so keeping our skin well-moisturised is an important part of an anti-ageing routine! On the topic of dry skin, it’s thought that low ceramide levels are a major factor in conditions such as atopic dermatitis and that creams containing ceramides are mostly recommended for management manage.1,2 If your acne treatment is causing skin issues, it’s possible that using a ceramide moisturiser alongside your acne treatment helps combat irritation and dry skin.3