What are ceramides and how do they work in skincare?

In our search for all the anti-aging stuff, we turned our attention to the unsung hero of the beauty industry: ceramides. Ceramides are often overlooked, and you’ll find very little written about them. So, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about this skin-healing ingredient.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids, or fats, in the skin, primarily in the outer layer of the skin, where they help protect the skin from environmental influences like pollution. They also help maintain the health and function of the skin’s protective barrier. Ceramides are highly concentrated, making up 50% of the skin’s composition. This means that the way your skin looks and feels has more to do with them than you might think.

What do ceramides do?

Ceramides keep skin cells connected and form a protective layer over the skin, proving to be more effective than more common ingredients like retinol. Ceramides protect the skin from all the factors that can cause signs of aging and prevent moisture loss, keeping the skin looking youthful and healthy.

While the body naturally produces ceramides, you can also boost production with products made with synthetic ceramides. You can also add more fatty acid-rich foods to your diet, like avocados.

What are the benefits of ceramides?

Since ceramides occur naturally in your body, you may be wondering if it really makes sense to use products that contain them. In fact, incorporating them into your skin care routine can be very beneficial. Environmental aggressors such as UV radiation can have a huge impact on the skin’s natural ceramides, meaning they become depleted and the skin barrier becomes compromised. When this happens, you’ll notice your skin feeling tight, irritated and red, and wrinkles and fine lines become more noticeable.

Key Benefits of Ceramides

Ceramides Reduce Signs of Skin Ageing

Ceramides Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Ceramides Store Moisture and Prevent Dry Skin

Ceramides Help Dehydrated Skin

The benefits of ceramides are not limited to specific skin types. Now let’s explain what ceramides do for different skin types.

Which skin types benefit from ceramides?

All skin types can use products containing ceramides because they are already present in the body. You’ll find that using products with ceramides is beneficial for blemished skin and sensitive skin because they regenerate the skin and don’t damage or disrupt the skin’s daily functions.

If you suffer from eczema and psoriasis, you may have noticed that all topical products used to treat your condition often contain ceramides, as this powerful ingredient is super hydrating and moisturizing.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic ceramides?

Natural ceramides are found in the skin and can be obtained by eating foods rich in healthy fatty acids:

Sweet potatoes

Soybeans

Corn

Avocados

Wheat

Rice

Synthetic ceramides in skincare products are replicated in labs, etc., but can still effectively treat the skin. They can provide ceramides to the skin and provide a variety of benefits.

What should you look for when looking for products containing ceramides?

In most cases, if a product contains ceramides, it will be mentioned on the label and in the list of ingredients on the package. Look for ceramide, AP, EOP, NG, NP, or NS, as these are the names commonly used. It is worth looking out for phytosphingosine and sphingosine, as these ingredients are known as ceramide precursors, which means they can promote the production of natural ceramides in the skin.

Important: Always make sure you choose a product with the right packaging. I’m referring to products that are opaque and sealed in packaging, as most anti-aging ingredients are unstable and lose their effectiveness when exposed to too much air and UV rays.

Can I use ceramides with other ingredients?

Ceramides produce the best results when combined with other skin-repairing ingredients, especially those that contain fatty acids like glycerin. Antioxidants like niacinamide are also great skincare partners to use with ceramides. With this blend of ingredients, you’ll find that your skin tone, texture, and signs of aging are effectively treated.

The three main ingredients that will give you the best results are:

Retinol

Antioxidants

Peptides

Other skincare compounds like AHAs and BHAs also work well with ceramides, and you can expect impressive results because ceramide-infused products absorb into the skin faster by chemically exfoliating the skin and showing results. Some say there are similarities between hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which is understandable as they are very similar in terms of skin reactions and treatments. The main difference is that ceramides are less common and less well-known in the market.

Read our blog dedicated to chemical peels to learn more about how it works and perfect skin.

Is it better to use ceramide skincare products or supplements?

For some people, it doesn’t really matter how you incorporate ceramides into your daily routine, as long as you add them. Those with allergic skin and other underlying skin issues may find it easier to take supplements and treat the problem from the inside. For those with very dry and aging skin, a topical ceramide-rich cream or lotion is a better option.

How to use ceramide products in your skincare routine.

You’ll be happy to know that ceramides are found in a variety of products;

Cleansing products

Moisturizers

Serums

Face washes

Masks

Cleansers containing ceramides are best used twice a day for their moisturizing benefits. Apply moisturizer immediately after a shower while your skin is still slightly damp so that the product absorbs more moisture. Apply a product with SPF 30 or higher every day to protect your skin from UV rays. This should be the last step of your routine at night so that the product has time to absorb into the skin and work its wonders while you sleep.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Ceramides are generally safe to use on all skin types. However, as with all skincare products, it is recommended that you do a patch test to ensure that you do not experience any reaction or irritation.

To do this, follow these steps:

Apply a 10p-sized amount to your forearm.

Wait and watch to see if redness, itching or other irritation occurs.

If irritation occurs, wash the area immediately and stop using the product.

If you do not have an immediate reaction, leave it on for 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, the product is safe to use elsewhere.

When can I expect results?

You can see results almost immediately after using a ceramide moisturizer. Skin feels comfortable and soft, and looks happy and hydrated. In terms of anti-aging benefits, this may take longer due to the skin’s natural cell cycle and skin type. Generally, around six months is said to be a good time to see results in reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

As you know by now, ceramides occur naturally in the body, and you can’t blame yourself if you let your skin continue to produce ceramides.

If you want to further boost your skin’s ceramide production by incorporating products containing ceramides into your daily skin care routine, you will discover many benefits and have balanced, moisturized and youthful skin. You’ll be bummed that you didn’t learn about this powerful ingredient sooner!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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