What are ceramides? Here's everything you need to know about the skin-saving ingredient
We know, it can seem like a lot to add every buzzy new skincare ingredient into your beauty routine, but trust us when we say that ceramides are worth it. They're a must for keeping your skin barrier in tip-top shape, so you can stay breakout-free and glowing. Sounds ideal, right?
If you're wondering where the skin-saving ingredient fits around your niacinamide serum and your retinol cream, we got to the bottom of what ceramides actually are, how they can benefit the skin and when to use them in your routine, according to an expert, of course.
Ready for a low-down on ceramides? Scroll this way...
What are ceramides?
The hero ingredient has been getting a lot of attention on social media as of late and for all the right reasons. "They are naturally occurring lipids, that are an important part of our skin barrier," explains dermatologist, Dr Cristina Psomadakis.
She explains that there are dozens of essential ceramides but there are three in particular that are getting all the attention. "The ceramides most associated with improving dry skin are ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II (aka Ceramide AP in many INCI lists)," she says.
The ceramides in your serum or moisturiser "come together to form lamellar sheets, essentially a protective barrier between our skin cells that help protect the skin from bacteria, allergens and trauma, while maintaining moisture levels," explains Dr Psomadakis.
It might be a tricky one to grasp but try visualising a building structure (bear with me); "You will often hear the analogy of “bricks and mortar” - the bricks being our skin cells that are surrounded by a mortar made up of free fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides," she adds.
Applying ceramides topically can have some serious perks for the skin, speaking of...
How do ceramides benefit the skin?
Ceramides naturally occur within our skin, so you know they've got to be good but how exactly do they keep your skin barrier healthy?
"Ceramides help reduce transepidermal water loss; so they help seal in moisture to prevent it from escaping and drying out the skin. As part of their role in skin barrier function, ceramides protect the skin from damage and inflammation and have some antimicrobial properties," explains Dr Psomadakis. If you've overdone it with the exfoliating acids (no judgment here), a soothing ceramide-rich product can be a saviour for any irritation or redness.
Another good thing about ceramides? They're the vodka of skin ingredients, meaning they work well in any skincare cocktail you mix them with. Unlike vodka, ceramides won't upset those on the sensitive side.
"Because they are found naturally in the skin they don't irritate and are universally tolerated ingredients. By helping to retain hydration, your skin also maintains a plump youthful and less aged appearance," adds Dr Psomadakis.
Many of the trendy skincare ingredients out there can't be used if you have eczema, for example, but ceramides have risen to fame for acting like a comfort blanket for the skin.
"Ceramides are incredibly beneficial for those with skin diseases; dry skin conditions such as eczema are associated with decreased ceramides so replenishing your natural reserves with products containing ceramides can be very restorative. This is the same for anyone with a damaged skin barrier, whether temporary or as part of a chronic condition," says Dr Psomadakis.
What skincare ingredients can you mix ceramides with?
Unlike some ingredients that need to be substituted out to be added into your routine, ceramides play well with others, so you don't have to bench any of your actives.
"You can use ceramides alongside strong active ingredients to help cushion their harsh effect and reduce irritation, such as alongside acids or retinols," says Psomadakis.
They can even make your go-to skin hydrators more effective; "Ceramides can work together with other lipids like fatty acids and cholesterols to increase skin hydration, or other hydrating or soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, colloidal oat and glycerin," she adds.
Unlike some of the fussier ingredients in our skincare routines, ceramides can also be used daily or whenever your skin needs them; there's no need to take a break.
Is there anything ceramides can't do? We think not.
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