Benefits Potential Benefits of Ceramides Simply put, ceramides are all-star moisturizers. “These lipidlike molecules add moisture and restore the skin’s barrier function,” says Kenneth Mark, MD , a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York and Colorado. They’re also great for anyone interested in keeping their skin looking as young as possible. Research suggests that ceramides can help with these concerns. Increasing Hydration Topical application of ceramide-based moisturizers alleviates dry skin, repairs the skin’s outer layer, and keeps the skin hydrated, research indicates.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762910ebf960-02ea-4a33-b183-bc170e1aa954 Reducing Wrinkles Moisture affects the aging of skin in a big way. In one study, participants with dry skin applied a ceramide-containing moisturizer twice a day for 28 days and reported seeing significant improvements in hydration, barrier function, and skin pH.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295fb183e0-42d8-4636-b79d-fdc44495b7e3 Preventing Breakouts Research has found that moisturizers containing ceramides complement acne treatment. One study found that using a ceramide- and niacinamide-containing moisturizer alongside anti-acne medication significantly improved acne lesions compared with using a basic hydrophilic cream. Study authors note that the sample size was quite small, however, and suggest further studies with larger groups to verify the effectiveness of using ceramides and a niacinamide-containing moisturizer as an additional acne treatment.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f4f8d700-5eab-4f49-a44d-2f6ee6cdbc7b Ceramides may also help counter the drying that often happens with acne products. “Since someone with acne-prone skin is usually producing a lot of oil, they may use products that cause dryness, and the ceramides will help counteract the irritation of the drying products,” Dr. Mark says. Reducing Symptoms Associated With Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis In a recent study, people with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or xerosis (severely dry skin) who used a ceramide-containing regimen (cream and cleanser) for four weeks showed significant reduction of symptoms commonly associated with these conditions, including redness, swelling and thickened skin, and improved quality of life.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296c1cae2a-88eb-4f18-a73f-8a9373622fd7
Alternatives Ceramide Alternatives Ceramides aren’t the only hydrating ingredients, of course. Rubin notes that glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid are similarly good at moisturizing the skin. “They all work well together to support the skin’s moisture barrier and adequate hydration,” she says. That’s why you’ll often find them combined in the same products. Dr. King notes that ceramides are emollients, which are hydrocarbons that help support the skin barrier and improve texture. She says that other emollients, such as squalene , fatty acids, and fatty alcohols, act in a similar way.
What Are Ceramides? “Ceramides serve an important function in helping to create and support the skin’s barrier,” says Courtney Rubin, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Fig.1, based in Los Angeles. Dr. Rubin says to think of skin cells as bricks that fit together to build the skin barrier . “Ceramides function as the mortar between the bricks that seals the wall together so it forms a working barrier,” she says. That barrier keeps the moisture in and bad things, such as germs and irritants, out.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762971cc5ce2-3275-476a-b22b-37e7c1bb71e7
Adding It How to Add Ceramides to Your Skin-Care Routine Ceramides are generally a good fit for any adult. Because ceramides are natural occurring fats in human skin, products containing them are highly compatible with all skin types. Rubin suggests applying a body moisturizer containing ceramides after you shower, regardless of whether it’s in the morning or at night — “ideally when the skin is still damp for maximum moisturizing benefits,” she says. That way, the ceramides in the moisturizer will lock in the hydration. When to Use Ceramides Ceramides can be used as part of your daily skin-care routine both morning and night. Start with a ceramide-containing facial cleanser, followed by a serum and a moisturizer containing the ingredient for optimal benefits. How Often Should You Use Ceramides? Because ceramides are safe to use, there’s no limit to how often you should use them.
Pregnancy Are Ceramides Safe to Use During Pregnancy? Yes, ceramides are safe to use while pregnant, Rubin says.
Products Types of Skin-Care Products That Contain Ceramides You might find ceramides listed as an ingredient in skin-care products such as cleansers or serums, but Rubin says that moisturizers are the most important skin-care product when it comes to reaping the benefits of ceramides. That’s because the main benefit of ceramides is skin barrier support, just like that of moisturizers. And ceramides aren’t some obscure skin-care ingredient that you’ll have to go hunting for. They’re common, but check the bottle to be sure. “Simply look at the ingredient list and check for the word ‘ceramide,’” Rubin says. Moisturizers There are 12 types of ceramides. Moisturizing creams, found at most drugstores, generally contain the three most common types of ceramides and often hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin smooth all day.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629002493bf-3615-4587-b2ee-b179d477c683 You may see ceramides on a product label called ceramide EOP, ceramide NP, or ceramide AP, says Marisa Garshick, MD , a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in New York City and Clifton, New Jersey. Cleansers Not only important for cleaning the skin and staving off breakouts, cleaners fight dullness and dehydration. Choosing a cleanser with ceramides and other moisture-retaining ingredients like hyaluronic acid can clean your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Serums Skin serums are highly concentrated formulations designed to sink into the skin quickly.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c8f1386f-012f-4ee7-b2e4-c2ff778728dd Ceramide-containing serums provide a lightweight, targeted delivery that keeps the skin barrier fortified and hydrated, and can help smooth out fine lines and maintain a plump, youthful complexion. While not every product will be labeled this way, be sure to check the ingredient list, and avoid drying alcohols, such as ethanol, denatured alcohol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol, Dr. Garshick says.
Natural ceramides are fats or lipids (fatty molecules) that make up about 50 percent of your epidermis, or the outer layer of your skin. They act as a barrier to protect your skin and help lock in moisture. As you age, your ability to naturally produce and replenish ceramides decreases. You can counteract this decline by applying moisturizers, serums, and other products formulated with synthetic ceramides.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bce5bf9d-9345-42bd-af55-1a578bbf39db
The Takeway Ceramides are safe for people with all skin types — even those with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. They’re easy to find in skin-care products, including many moisturizers. If you have dry skin, are concerned about prematurely aging skin, or simply want to trap in as much moisture as possible, consider adding ceramides to your skin-care routine.
Side Effects Potential Side Effects of Ceramides There are no known side effects of using products with ceramides. “They’re safe and easily tolerable for those of all ages and skin types, including those with eczema and psoriasis,” Rubin says. Do Ceramides React With Other Ingredients? You know that one friend you can include in any group and know they’ll mesh well? That’s how ceramides are in the skin-care world. “Ceramides play well with numerous ingredients,” says Hadley King, MD , a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “I don’t think there’s any ingredients that ceramides negatively interact with.”
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