Ceramides for skin: Importance explained!

When it comes to skincare superheroes, ceramides often don’t get the attention they deserve. From hydration to sun protection, they do it all and so are the foundation of healthy, supple skin. 

Ceramides maintain your skin barrier. This is why with a lack of ceramides, your skin barrier can go for a toss causing many skin issues and discomfort like skin irritation, i, dryness, etc.  

Let’s dive deep into the world of ceramides to understand their benefits, the science behind the ceramides, why they’re crucial for your skin, and how you can include them in your routine. 

What are ceramides?  

Ceramides are essential lipids (fats) naturally found in your skin. They are composed of sphingosine and fatty acids that make up 30% to 40% of the skin's outer layer (epidermis). 

They are a critical component of the stratum corneum, (the outermost skin layer), where they play a vital role in cellular structure, function, and overall skin health ensuring it stays hydrated, strong, and protected.

However, as we age or are constantly exposed to environmental stressors (pollution, UV rays, harsh weather), the ceramide levels in our skin naturally deplete, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, skin irritation, and damage.  

What are the types of ceramides?

There are 7 types of natural and man-made ceramides namely :

• Ceramide 1 (EOS)
• Ceramide 2 (NS)
• Ceramide 3 (NP)
• Ceramide 6-II (AP)
• Ceramide 9 (EOP)
• Phytosphingosine
• Sphingosine

Typically Sphingosine is largely used in creams and moisturizers as they help mimic the skin’s natural ceramides. 

What do ceramides do to your skin?

Ceramides are the mortar to the bricks that along with other essential elements like cholesterol and fatty acid hold the skin cells together to form a protective layer that fortifies the skin's barrier. A strong skin barrier helps to lock in the moisture while keeping harmful elements out. The three essential elements viz., Ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, in a specific ratio of 2:1:1 mimics skin’s natural composition, maintaining and strengthening your skin barrier.  

Ceramides are crucial to maintain the skin’s barrier function as they:  

• Prevent moisture loss: Ceramides act like a sealant that traps hydration within the skin and keeps it hydrated and healthy.  

• Protect against environmental damage: They form a shield against pollutants, irritants, and harmful microorganisms and keep all the bad stuff outside.   

Why do you need ceramides? 

Lack of ceramides in your skin can cause the following issues:  

• Dryness and flakiness: When the skin barrier is compromised, water evaporates faster, leading to dry, dehydrated skin.  
• Eczema and sensitivity: A weak barrier makes skin more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. If you have a weak or compromised skin barrier for a long time, you can suffer from skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, etc.  
• Accelerated aging: With a lack of ceramides, your skin gets dehydrated faster, and fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced in your skin.   

It is important to maintain the level of ceramides in your skin. Therefore, as the naturally occurring ceramides level drops down in your skin with age and environmental stressors, you need to replenish them in your skin with topical application. 

What are the benefits of ceramides for the skin?  

1. It retains the moisture level and hydrate skin  

Ceramides help decrease the transepidermal water loss that leads to inflamed and dry skin. They instead form a protective film on your skin that doesn’t allow the water to evaporate, helping you keep your skin moisturized & plump. 

2. It protects and maintains your skin barrier

Regular use of ceramide-infused products helps maintain and repair your skin barrier. A robust skin barrier fortified with ceramides shields your skin from pollutants, allergens, and harmful bacteria, ensuring it stays healthy and resilient.  

3. It reduces signs of aging   

Ceramides maintain the hydration level in your skin, which helps maintain the elasticity and firmness of your skin, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

4. It Improves skin texture

Increased hydration and enhanced lipid barrier help smoothen and soften your skin, leaving it softer and more supple.  

5. Safe to be used with other ingredients 

Ceramides are gentle and mild ingredients that pair comfortably with all other active ingredients as well. It can be used with acne and hyperpigmentation treatments for a complete skincare routine. 

Incorporating ceramides into your routine

How to use ceramides in your skincare routine  

Include ceramide-infused products in your skincare routine for best results.  

• Start with a gentle, ceramide-infused cleanser to maintain hydration while cleansing like 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Simply Bright Face Wash

• Follow up with a ceramide serum or essence for targeted hydration and barrier repair. 

• Finally, lock moisture with a ceramide-rich moisturizer to strengthen your barrier like Oat & 1% Ceramide Barrier Love Face Cream, and apply sunscreen.  

When to apply ceramides?

You can use ceramide-infused products in your skincare routines twice a day. 

How often can you apply ceramides?

Ceramides are gentle and safe to use daily, both morning and night. 

Side effects of ceramides for skin?

Naturally occurring in your skin, ceramides are gentle and safe to be used by all skin types and concerns. However, ceramide-infused products are often enriched with many other ingredients that could react on your skin and cause irritation. Therefore, if you have irritated or inflamed skin, patch test the product first on your skin before incorporating it into your routine. 

FAQs   

1. What do ceramides do for skin?  

Ceramides strengthen and maintain the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against external damage.  

2. Which is better, ceramide or niacinamide?  

Both are excellent for skin health. Ceramides focus on hydration and barrier repair, while niacinamide brightens skin and balances oil. Together, they work even better.  

3. What is the function of ceramides?  

Ceramides form the "glue" that holds skin cells together, ensuring a healthy, hydrated, and resilient barrier.  

4. Does ceramide lighten skin?

While ceramides don’t directly lighten skin, they improve skin texture by reducing dryness, irritation, and redness, which can make the skin appear healthier.  

5. How often should I use ceramides?  

Ceramide-enriched products are gentle and safe for daily use, even for sensitive skin types.