What do ceramides do for skin?

How ceramides work

The skin barrier is the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin. Tough cells called corneocytes sit in a matrix of lipids, or fats, including ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. The brick wall analogy earns its keep for once: ceramides are part of the mortar, not the whole house.12

This layered structure helps control what moves through the skin. It limits water escaping and helps keep irritants, chemicals and microbes out. When the barrier is damaged, skin can lose more water and become more sensitive to contact irritants and allergens.45

What a ceramide moisturizer adds

Your skin naturally contains ceramides, and creams can also use synthetic ceramides. In a moisturizer, ceramides act as emollients, which help restore some of the skin's natural fats. Humectants draw water into the skin, while occlusives help seal moisture in. A formula can combine these jobs. A moisturizer label can give ceramides the starring role, while the rest of the formula quietly carries the furniture.56

Texture matters too. Lotions spread easily but are absorbed quickly and do not last as long. Creams are thicker and heavier, while ointments lock in moisture best but feel greasier. For dry skin, a cream or ointment can be a better fit than a lotion. A ceramide moisturizer is still a moisturizer, so the other ingredients and the product texture affect how it feels and works on your skin.36

If your goal is to repair a damaged skin barrier, improvement can take three to four months to start showing. Ceramides support the barrier; they are not an instant reset button for irritated skin.2

How to use a ceramide moisturizer

1. 1Apply moisturizer to damp skin soon after a shower or bath, while the skin is still holding water.
2. 2For dry skin, use a moisturizer at least twice a day. If you have eczema, moisturizing twice daily is typical; during a flare, you may need to apply it to the affected area every three to four hours.
3. 3For eczema, put moisturizer on clean, moist skin. If a lotion or cream does not seal in enough moisture, add a light layer of petroleum jelly on top.
4. 4Be gentle with the barrier you are trying to support. Hot water, harsh soaps and over exfoliating can damage it.

Who should use a ceramide moisturizer?

Ceramide moisturizers are especially relevant if your skin is dry or you have eczema, also called atopic dermatitis. Creams with synthetic ceramides are considered useful for atopic dermatitis, and ceramides are a useful type of emollient for eczema. If acne treatment leaves your skin dry or irritated, a moisturizer can be an add on to that treatment, not a replacement for it. For oily skin, consider a lighter gel or skipping moisturizer; with combination skin, focus on dry areas and skip the oily ones.357

When to be careful

Ceramides are only one part of the formula. Fragrance, botanicals and preservatives can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in some people, so sensitive skin can benefit from a short, fragrance free ingredient list. If a new product makes your skin more irritated, stop using it rather than adding more products to the area.256

See a dermatologist if dryness gets worse or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating. A skin condition that affects the barrier, such as eczema, also calls for advice suited to your specific needs.23