Are ceramides safe?

What do ceramides do for skin?

Ceramides are fats naturally found in the outermost layer of skin. They help hold the skin barrier together, protecting the body and limiting water loss. When that barrier is damaged, skin loses more water and becomes more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Ceramide moisturizers help hydrate skin, and creams containing synthetic ceramides are thought to be particularly useful for atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema.1

Which ceramide moisturizer should you choose?

For dry skin, start with a cream or ointment rather than a lotion: thicker formulas preserve more moisture. For oily skin, consider a lighter gel instead of a rich cream. A gel feels lighter than a lotion, while a cream is thicker, because the jar's adjectives are not a useful texture guide. If your skin is oily in some places and dry in others, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically coating the whole face.3

Choose a fragrance free formula for dry or sensitive skin. Preservatives, fragrances and other ingredients can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy inflammatory skin reaction. Some occlusive barrier creams, which form a layer that limits water loss, can aggravate facial acne. Ceramides on the label do not make every formula suitable for acne prone skin; look for a product labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is designed not to block pores.13

How should you use a ceramide moisturizer?

1. 1Apply moisturizer after washing or bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp, to help trap water.
2. 2Smooth an emollient moisturizer gently over the skin rather than rubbing it in vigorously.
3. 3For excessively dry skin, choose a moisturizer you can comfortably use at least twice daily. Reapply an emollient when skin feels dry or tight.
4. 4If you use a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and an emollient. Ask your doctor which to apply first.

A cream is useful during the day because it absorbs quickly and is less greasy, leaving the moisturizer less opportunity to become a scheduling problem. An ointment is thicker and greasier and can suit very dry skin at night.4

When should you stop or get help?

If a moisturizer causes persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or a facial rash, speak to a pharmacist, nurse or doctor about changing it. See a dermatologist if dryness does not improve or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating. Most barrier creams should not go directly onto broken skin.134

For emollient creams, use a clean spoon or spatula to take product from a tub. Keep away from flames and cigarettes: emollient residue on clothing, bedding and dressings makes those fabrics easier to ignite, including with paraffin free products.4

Are ceramides safe for kids?

Ceramide moisturizers can be suitable for children. A routine including a noncomedogenic ceramide moisturizer was safe and well tolerated in children aged 7 to 11 with mild acne. Choose the complete formula carefully, since children's skincare can also contain fragrances and other allergens.2

For a child with eczema, use fragrance free, eczema friendly moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing and whenever skin feels dry. Avoid rubbing the skin, and continue prescribed medicine as directed. If eczema is out of control, contact the child's dermatologist rather than relying on moisturizer alone.5