What are the Best Ceramides for Skin?
Discover all the benefits of ceramides for skin and the best skincare products featuring this groundbreaking ingredient.
Ceramides play a fundamental role in your skin’s health and can drastically improve the appearance of dull, dry skin. Since they make up around 50% of the skin’s lipids—the natural fats that act as building blocks for a strong, healthy skin barrier—ceramides are imperative for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.
When ceramides become depleted, the skin’s barrier weakens, leading to dryness, irritation, and even sensitivity. That’s why all skin types, from oily skin to sensitive skin, can benefit from incorporating ceramide-rich skincare products into their routine.
Ahead, we show you how ceramides work and what they can do for your skin.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides are essential lipids that make up about 50% of your epidermis—your skin’s outer layer. Composed of fatty acid and sphingosine, ceramides play an important role in forming a healthy skin barrier and maintaining optimum barrier function.
Natural ceramides are found in your skin while synthetic ceramides are human-made and found in skincare products like cleansers, serums, creams, and lotions.
As you age, natural ceramides aren’t replenished as quickly as they were when you were young. That’s why dermatologists recommend incorporating ceramide-infused products into your skincare routine.
What are the Best Ceramides for Skin?
If you have dry, itchy skin or you’re prone to irritation and sensitivities, ceramides products are a must in your routine. This skincare ingredient promotes healthy skin barrier function along with skin hydration to keep your skin smooth, soft, and glowing. Here are the best ceramide skincare products.
Best Ceramide Moisturizer
Drench your skin in dewy, shimmering gold hydration! Golden Glaze Shimmer Body Butter glides onto the skin for instant & intense hydration with a skin-loving blend of vitamin C, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It’s packed with antioxidants and hydrators to leave your skin soft, supple, and glowing. It also boosts collagen and elasticity to combat signs of aging like fine lines and sagging skin.
Best Ceramide Serum
For an instant hydration boost with a hint of golden shimmer, apply a few drops of Golden Glaze Luxury Body Oil. It’s packed with brightening vitamin C to counteract signs of sun damage along with ceramides, vanilla bean, and argan oil for hydrating and anti-aging benefits. Your skin will glow from head to toe with this ceramide-packed formula.
Benefits of Ceramides for Skin
Ceramides can do so much for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or mature skin, here’s why you should absolutely start using ceramides in your skincare routine.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is your first line of defense against environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and irritants. Ceramides are the glue that hold your skin cells together to form a strong and healthy skin barrier.
When your ceramide levels are low, your skin will feel dry and possibly even irritated. Using ceramide skincare products is the best way to replenish your skin barrier.
Locks in Moisture
Ceramides help retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and plump. This makes them especially beneficial for dry skin types and those dealing with eczema or psoriasis.
As you age, the skin loses moisture more easily. Incorporating ceramide face and body products into your daily routine can significantly help with keeping your skin smooth and hydrated.
Reduces Sensitivity & Irritation
A damaged skin barrier can make your skin more prone to redness, sensitivity, and irritation. Ceramides help to calm and soothe inflamed skin, making them a great ingredient for people with eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions.
By bolstering the skin barrier, ceramides keep external irritants out to prevent redness, itching, and irritation.
Slows Down Signs of Aging
Dry, dehydrated skin can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. By keeping your skin hydrated and strong, ceramides help maintain a supple, youthful complexion. They also pair well with retinol to combat signs of aging while minimizing any irritation that may come with using retinol.
Improves Skin Texture
Ceramides improve skin smoothness and suppleness, giving you a soft and radiant glow. They work well alongside peptides and phytosphingosine to reinforce skin elasticity and hydration. By keeping your skin hydrated and preventing moisture loss, ceramides are the go-to ingredient for soft, supple skin.
Different Types of Ceramides in Skincare
There are several types of ceramides used in skincare formulations. Here are some of the most common ones.
1. Ceramide 1 (EOP): Strengthens the skin barrier and works best when paired with ceramide 3 and ceramide 6-II.
2. Ceramide 2 (NS): Plays a key role in reducing water loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
3. Ceramide 3 (NP): Helps replenish the skin’s lipid barrier and retain moisture.
4. Ceramide 6-II (AP): Assists in natural exfoliation and improves skin texture.
5. Ceramide 9: Supports overall skin health and structure.
Most skincare products contain a blend of multiple ceramides for optimal results.
How to Use Ceramides for Skin
Ceramides work best when used consistently in your daily skincare routine. Here’s how to use them effectively.
1. Start with a Ceramide Cleanser
A ceramide-rich cleanser will gently remove impurities without stripping the skin. Look for a non-foaming, hydrating formula that keeps your skin feeling soft and smooth.
2. Apply a Hydrating Toner
Using a hydrating toner after cleansing can prep your skin for better absorption of serums and creams.
3. Layer a Ceramide Serum
A ceramide serum delivers concentrated hydration and barrier-repairing benefits. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp for maximum absorption.
4. Seal in Hydration with a Moisturizer
A ceramide-rich moisturizer helps lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier. Use it morning and night for best results.
5. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Ceramides work best when combined with sunscreen during the day. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 will protect your skin from damage and help maintain its healthy barrier.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Ceramides?
Ceramides work gradually to repair and strengthen your skin barrier, so patience is key. While you may notice an immediate boost in hydration after your first application—especially if your skin was feeling dry or tight—significant improvements in barrier function and skin texture typically take around four weeks of consistent use.
Since ceramides help replenish the skin’s natural lipid layer, they need time to rebuild the stratum corneum and restore optimal ceramide levels. This process varies depending on factors like skin type, existing damage, and environmental stressors. For those with compromised barriers due to eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, it may take up to six weeks before you see visible results.
Are Ceramides Good for Skin?
Using ceramides regularly in your skincare routine offers a number of benefits, including maintaining your skin’s protective barrier, preventing moisture loss, and combating environmental damage. Whether you have dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin, incorporating ceramide-based skincare products can keep your skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
