What are ceramides?

What do ceramides do for your skin?

Your skin barrier controls water escaping from your body and helps protect against chemicals, microbes and physical damage from outside. Its outermost layer, called the stratum corneum, contains dead skin cells arranged like bricks, with fats between them. Ceramides are part of that fatty material. Ceramides are already part of skin, so the skincare aisle has not invented a new organ.23

When the barrier is damaged, skin loses more water and becomes more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Adding ceramides through skincare helps restore the barrier's fats and retain moisture. Your skin also replenishes its natural ceramides more slowly as you age. Lower ceramide levels occur with aging and conditions such as eczema, and can contribute to dry or itchy skin.13

How do you find ceramides on an ingredient list?

Natural ceramides occur in human and animal skin; synthetic ceramides are made for use in skincare. Common label names include ceramide EOS, also called ceramide 1; ceramide NP, also called ceramide 3; and ceramide AP, also called ceramide 6 II. Ceramides appear in moisturizers, lotions, creams, serums and toners. Look at the ingredient list rather than relying only on the front of the package.1

What else should a ceramide moisturizer contain?

Ceramides work well alongside ingredients that attract water, soften skin and seal moisture in. Compatible ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, colloidal oatmeal and shea butter. These roles complement each other: maintaining the barrier and supplying moisture are connected jobs, not competing ones.1

In general, thicker and greasier moisturizers hold moisture more effectively, even if elegance is not their main department. Lotions contain water and oil in varying proportions and can be applied throughout the day. Petroleum based barrier products reduce water loss effectively, while dimethicone barrier creams feel less greasy. Texture matters because you need a product you can apply as often as necessary, not simply one with a desirable ingredient on its label.34

How do you use a ceramide moisturizer?

1. 1Wash gently. Use lukewarm rather than hot water, and avoid harsh or perfumed soaps that strip away natural oils.
2. 2Pat or blot your skin dry instead of rubbing it, leaving some dampness for your moisturizer.
3. 3Apply your ceramide moisturizer to damp skin within three minutes of washing your face or showering.
4. 4Reapply as needed during the day. If a dermatologist has prescribed a moisturizing schedule, follow that schedule.

For dry skin, keep a daily bath or shower to five to ten minutes. Frequent bathing and harsh soaps can contribute to dryness, so a moisturizer is only one part of reducing moisture loss. Avoid scrub brushes, bath sponges and rough washcloths. Moisturizers rehydrate the upper layer of skin cells and seal in water; applying them after washing fits that purpose.4

Who should consider ceramides?

Ceramides are useful ingredients to consider for dry skin and barrier support. For excessively dry skin, a dermatologist can select a moisturizer with the right mix of ingredients, including ceramides, glycerol, urea or lactic acid. Some people need a prescription moisturizer. The treatment goal is to relieve symptoms and restore the outer layer, rather than select one ingredient in isolation.5

Creams containing synthetic ceramides are thought to be particularly useful for managing atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. A moisturizer supports care, but an underlying condition causing severe dryness also needs treatment. Follow your existing treatment plan, including how often to moisturize. If frequent hand washing or workplace exposure keeps drying your skin, protection from that exposure belongs in the plan too.35

Can a ceramide product irritate skin or worsen acne?

Barrier creams are usually well tolerated, but preservatives, fragrance or other ingredients can cause an allergic skin reaction. Some occlusive barrier creams can aggravate acne when used on the face. Choose the whole formula, not just the ceramide claim. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin. Ceramides on the label are not a reason to ignore those product restrictions.3

Is a ceramide mask worth adding?

A mask containing ceramides can help strengthen the barrier and is an option for dry or sensitive skin. A mask can add hydration, but it does not get promoted to your entire routine just because it has a dedicated label. Continue cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. A mask also cannot replace treatment for eczema or acne.6

Test a new mask on small areas first and follow its label for application time and frequency. Avoid masks with fragrance, essential oils or rubbing alcohol, and avoid strong exfoliating ingredients if your skin is sensitive. If you already use retinol or acids, avoid duplicating irritating active ingredients in a mask. Wash the mask off immediately if you feel itching, burning or stinging, then apply moisturizer after rinsing.6

When does dry skin need medical care?

Get treatment for excessively dry skin, especially when itch or pain persists. Untreated severe dryness increases the risk of skin infection, and prolonged scratching can cause thick patches of persistently itchy skin. Tell your dermatologist if you cannot apply moisturizer often enough, reach the affected areas or protect your skin at work. If your skin feels worse after a mask, a dermatologist can assess the cause and help choose treatment.56