Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid molecules that are vital components of the skin's barrier. They are essential for preserving skin moisture, warding off germs, and keeping contaminants from the environment out of the body. Ceramides also promote cell division and maintain the structural integrity of the skin. Numerous skincare products, including moisturizers, creams, serums, and toners, include ceramides. By assisting in the restoration of ceramide levels, these products can support stronger, healthier skin.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides are found in your cells and are composed of lipids and fats. They are essential for keeping your skin hydrated and preventing bacteria from entering your body. Moreover, your skin's barrier function, which acts as your body's first line of protection against pollutants and poisons outside, is influenced by ceramides[1]. They also preserve cell function and encourage brain growth. Ceramides are frequently found in skin care products, such as ceramide moisturizers, creams, serums, and toners. These products may help maintain the health of your skin by raising the levels of ceramide.
What are the 5 Benefits of Ceramides?
Ceramides are beneficial to skin health in several ways. Here are five main benefits of ceramides:
1. Ceramides maintain the skin’s barrier2
Ceramide depletion in the skin can result from both the aging process and excessive use of harsh soaps or exfoliants. Ceramide depletion weakens the stratum corneum, the skin's outermost layer of defense, and microscopic fissures may appear. Infection and skin inflammation may be facilitated by this deterioration of the skin barrier. The skin barrier remains healthy and performs as intended when lost ceramides are replaced.
2. Ceramides hydrate the skin3
When the skin’s barrier is weakened, water is lost. This is referred to as transepidermal epidermal water loss. As a result, the skin may then become dry and irritated, increasing the likelihood of inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, acne, and eczema. To manage this, ceramides can increase hydration and seal in moisture. In fact, ceramide cream may dramatically reduce loss, which enhances barrier function and increases skin hydration. Additionally, research indicates that ceramide moisturizers may help counteract the dry skin and irritation that acne treatments create4.
3. Ceramides revitalize aging skin5
People's skin changes as they age because structural proteins, such as keratin, elastin, and collagen are lost. Thinner skin and obvious aging symptoms, like wrinkles, creases, and sagging, are the results of these and other processes that contribute to the breakdown of the skin barrier.
Fine lines and wrinkles are frequently more noticeable when the skin is dry. Ceramides hydrate the skin, stopping it from losing moisture. Additionally, keratinocytes, which produce keratin, can be stimulated by ceramide creams. The skin barrier is revitalized and aging symptoms are reduced with the rise of keratin.
4. Ceramides prevent UV damage6
Observable skin changes, including wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentary changes, are caused by exposure to sunshine and UV radiation. Photoaging, as dermatologists call it, is the direct outcome of the lifetime accumulation of UV damage. The skin barrier can be shielded from UV ray damage by utilizing moisturizers and sunscreens that include ceramide. The products also appeared to counteract redness and hyperpigmentation, aid in maintaining normal cell turnover, and increase skin moisture.
5. Ceramides increase the smoothness and suppleness of the skin7
Ceramides improve elasticity, which affects the skin's overall texture in addition to hydration. The skin's resilience and ability to hold its form improve as its hydration levels rise and its barrier gets stronger. This makes the skin elastic and smoother, which lessens the visibility of fine lines and gives the skin a radiant, healthy appearance.
Do Ceramides Have any Side Effects?
Most skin types respond well to topical ceramides, which are generally safe and unlikely to trigger adverse responses. Before using it over a big area of your skin, it is advised to conduct a patch test, just like with any new addition to a skin care regimen.
In conclusion, the skin barrier shields the body from irritants, dangerous diseases, and pollutants found in the environment; therefore, if it is impaired, infections and other skin disorders may arise. Ceramides are essential to the structure of the skin as they enhance the barrier function, which keeps the skin moisturized and supple by preventing moisture loss. Ceramides are normally lost as humans age. To manage this loss, topical ceramide creams can raise ceramide levels. These products may help protect against damaging UV radiation, increase hydration and barrier function, enhance skin health, and revitalize aged skin, among others.
References
1 Vávrová, K., Kováčik, A., & Opálka, L. (2017). Ceramides in the skin barrier. European Pharmaceutical Journal, 64(2), 28-35.
2 Huang, H. C., & Chang, T. M. (2008). Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate‐irritated skin. International journal of dermatology, 47(8), 812-819.
3 Lynde, C. W., Andriessen, A., Barankin, B., De Gannes, G., Gulliver, W., Haber, R., ... & Vender, R. (2014). Moisturizers and ceramide-containing moisturizers may offer concomitant therapy with benefits. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 18.
4 Obeid, L. M., & Hannun, Y. A. (2003). Ceramide, stress, and a" LAG" in aging. Science of Aging Knowledge Environment, 2003(39), pe27-pe27.
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6 Spada, F., Harrison, I. P., Barnes, T. M., Greive, K. A., Daniels, D., Townley, J. P., ... & Shumack, S. (2021). A daily regimen of a ceramide‐dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser restores the skin permeability barrier in adults with moderate eczema: a randomized trial. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(4), e14970.