How do ceramides help skin?

What do ceramides actually do?

The stratum corneum, your skin's outermost layer, consists of dead skin cells arranged like bricks. Fats between those cells act like mortar. Ceramides work alongside cholesterol and fatty acids in this surrounding material, helping form the barrier that prevents excessive water loss. They are part of the structure that keeps skin functioning, not simply something that sits on top to make it feel smooth.23

The barrier works in two directions: it controls water leaving the skin and substances entering from outside. Skin also has a naturally acidic surface. That acidity helps the enzymes responsible for producing ceramides and fatty acids work properly. Ceramides are one part of this system, rather than the entire barrier in a bottle.2

Who benefits from ceramides?

Ceramides are particularly useful when skin is dry or losing moisture easily. As you age, skin replenishes its natural ceramides more slowly. Eczema also involves reduced ceramide levels, which can contribute to dehydrated or itchy skin. A ceramide moisturizer supports hydration, but eczema that causes excessive dryness also needs treatment for the underlying condition.14

How do you choose a ceramide product?

Common ingredient names include ceramide EOS, ceramide NP and ceramide AP. Ceramides work well with ingredients that attract water, soften skin or help seal moisture in, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, colloidal oatmeal and shea butter. A ceramide moisturizer can cover this step without a separate serum, which gives the bathroom shelf one less tenant.1

Match the moisturizer's texture to your skin. Creams and ointments retain more moisture than lotions and suit dry skin better. A lighter gel is an option for oily skin. With combination skin, moisturize dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas. Choose fragrance free products for dry skin, because fragrance can irritate it. A natural label does not mean a product cannot cause allergies.5

How should you use ceramides?

1. 1Wash with a fragrance free cleanser if your skin is excessively dry.
2. 2Apply your ceramide moisturizer while skin is still damp, within three minutes of washing your face or showering. This helps trap water in the skin.
3. 3For excessively dry skin, moisturize at least twice daily. If you have a prescribed moisturizing plan, follow that frequency instead.
4. 4Keep broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your daily routine. Barrier care does not replace sun protection.

Pick a moisturizer you feel comfortable using regularly, rather than one that turns moisturizing into an appointment you keep cancelling. If skin is dry and peeling, moisturize rather than exfoliating it, which can strip away more moisture.5

When is a moisturizer not enough?

See a dermatologist if moisturizing does not help, or dryness worsens into painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritated skin. Excessively dry skin sometimes needs a prescription moisturizer or treatment for an underlying condition. The right combination of moisturizing ingredients helps hydrate skin and restore its outer layer; ceramides are one option within that treatment, not a reason to leave persistent symptoms untreated.45