What are the benefits of ceramides for mature skin?

Why does mature skin need more moisture?

As skin ages, its outer layer becomes thinner and less elastic. Oil production also changes: women gradually produce less oil after menopause, while men generally experience a smaller decrease, most often after age 80. Less oil makes it harder to keep skin moist and can contribute to dryness and itching. Menopause can also make skin thinner and drier. These changes help explain why a moisturizer that once felt sufficient can stop meeting your skin's needs.23

What do ceramides actually do?

Ceramides are fats naturally found in the outer skin layer. They help hold the skin's protective barrier together, reducing moisture loss and helping keep out substances such as allergens. Products containing ceramides replenish these fats. Ceramide formulations can also improve dryness and barrier function in people with eczema, a condition that can cause dry, itchy skin.14

Choose ceramides for hydration and barrier support rather than assuming they will reverse wrinkles. Aging also involves changes in collagen and elastin, the structures that provide support and flexibility, while accumulated sun damage contributes to wrinkles and texture changes. Treat 'antiaging' as a claim to examine, not a job description the jar has successfully applied for. Many cosmetics marketed for wrinkles do not need human testing or FDA approval before sale.23

Which ceramide moisturizer should you choose?

Choose the texture for your skin type, rather than treating 'mature' as a texture, which would be an ambitious manufacturing decision. A cream suits dry to very dry facial skin; a lotion suits normal or combination skin; a gel suits oily skin or hot, humid weather. If you tend to break out, look for a fragrance free moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Age alone is not a reason to choose the thickest option.5

Ingredient lists commonly name ceramide EOS, ceramide NP or ceramide AP. Ceramides work well alongside glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which attract water, and ingredients such as dimethicone and shea butter that help moisturize skin. These ingredients can share one formula; choosing a moisturizer does not require buying a separate product for each function.1

How should you use a ceramide moisturizer?

1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser and warm water. Hot water and strongly drying or heavily perfumed soaps can worsen dryness.
2. 2Apply your ceramide moisturizer to damp skin within three minutes of washing your face or showering.
3. 3Moisturize every day. For dry skin, reapply after bathing or swimming and whenever skin feels dry or itchy.
4. 4Protect skin outdoors with sunscreen and protective clothing. Moisturizing and protecting against sun damage address different needs.

When does dryness need medical attention?

Talk to a doctor if skin is very dry and itchy. If you have diabetes, daily moisturizing is particularly important because dryness can lead to deep cracks and infection. Choose a fragrance free ceramide cream or ointment; 'unscented' products can contain masked fragrance. Seek immediate medical care for a wound that worsens or fails to heal, or signs of infection such as swelling, pain or leaking fluid. Do not treat persistent sores as a moisturizer problem.26