Ceramides for skin are not a trend ingredient brought in from outside. They are fats that your skin already makes, and they form a large part of the "mortar" that holds the outer layer of skin cells together. Ceramide products aim to top up what the skin has lost.
What ceramides are
Ceramides are a family of waxy lipids. Together with cholesterol and fatty acids they fill the spaces between the cells of the skin's outer layer. This layer of fats is what stops water from escaping and keeps irritants out. Skin Barrier Care: How to Build a Gentle Routine describes the skin barrier in more detail.
Why ceramide levels fall
- Age. The skin makes fewer ceramides as we get older, which is one reason mature skin is drier.
- Dry, cold weather. Low humidity stresses the barrier.
- Harsh cleansing and over-exfoliation. These wash away or disturb the fats between cells.
- Skin conditions. People with eczema-prone skin tend to have lower ceramide levels.
What ceramide products can do
- Help dry, rough skin feel smoother and more comfortable.
- Support the barrier while you use drying treatments such as retinoids or acne products.
- Reduce water loss from the skin.
They do not treat acne, pigmentation or wrinkles directly. Their job is to keep the skin's protective layer in good order, which helps everything else work with less irritation.
Who benefits most
| Skin situation | Why ceramides help |
|---|---|
| Dry or mature skin | Replaces fats that the skin makes less of |
| Sensitive or easily irritated skin | Strengthens the barrier against triggers |
| Eczema-prone skin | Emollients with ceramides are a common part of daily care |
| Skin using retinoids or acids | Offsets dryness and peeling |
| Winter skin | Counters water loss in dry air |
Oily skin can use ceramides too. Choose a light lotion or gel-cream.
How to read the label
Ceramides appear in the ingredient list under names such as:
- Ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide NS.
- Older names such as ceramide 1, 3 or 6-II.
- Related ingredients such as phytosphingosine and sphingosine.
A formula that also contains cholesterol and fatty acids copies the natural mix of barrier fats more closely. Glycerin or hyaluronic acid in the same product adds water for the ceramides to hold in.
How to use them
- Cleanse gently.
- Apply any water-based serum.
- Apply your ceramide moisturizer to slightly damp skin, morning and evening.
- Use sunscreen in the morning.
Ceramides are usually found in moisturizers, but also in cleansers, serums and body lotions. Leave-on products give them more time to work than a cleanser that is rinsed off.
Combining ceramides with other ingredients
Ceramides have no known conflicts with other common skincare ingredients. They pair well with:
- Retinol and exfoliating acids, to reduce dryness.
- Niacinamide, which is often included in barrier products.
- Humectants, which bring water into the skin. See Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives.
Side effects
Ceramides themselves are very well tolerated. If a ceramide cream irritates your skin, another ingredient in the formula, such as fragrance or a preservative, is the more likely cause. Patch test if your skin is reactive.
How soon you will notice a difference
Skin often feels softer within days. A calmer, less reactive barrier usually takes two to four weeks of twice-daily use. If your skin stays very dry, cracked or itchy, see a doctor, because a skin condition may need treatment.
For help with choosing a product, see Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type. Skincare Routine for Mature Skin explains how ceramides fit into care for mature skin, and the Skincare Ingredient Checker has short entries for ceramides, cholesterol and other common ingredients.
Related on ArniSun
- Skin Barrier Care: How to Build a Gentle Routine
- Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives
- Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type
- Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
- Skincare Ingredient Checker: Look Up Ingredient Information
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Are ceramides safe for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Ceramides do not clog pores by themselves. Choose a light, non-comedogenic formula if you break out easily.
Can I use ceramides every day?
Yes. They are intended for daily use, morning and night, and are suitable for long-term use.
Are plant ceramides the same as the ones in skin?
Most ceramides in skincare are made to match those found in human skin. Plant-derived versions have a similar structure and are used for the same purpose.