Why are Ceramides so important?

Constantly layering on moisturizer but still battling dry skin? Suffer from the occasional eczema flare-up, or maybe even psoriasis? You need a good moisturizer with this ingredient!

We cannot thank the moisturizers formulated containing Ceramides - which mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. 

The newest generation of moisturizers also contain barrier repair ingredients in addition to traditional moisturizer components. The most common of such ingredients are ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol which help replace the deficient lipids in some skin diseases characterized by barrier impairment, such as eczema and psoriasis.

What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are found naturally in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of skin. They make up over 50% of skin’s composition, so it’s no surprise they play a vital role in determining how your skin looks (and how it responds to environmental threats).

Age and sun damage reduce the effectiveness of your skin’s natural ceramides—and can eventually deplete them, which weakens your skin’s barrier. The results are drier, rougher skin, wrinkles, irritation, redness, and visible signs of dehydration. This is where skincare knowledge comes into play—because it is possible to significantly restore what’s been diminished.

In addition to keeping skin feeling smooth and looking supple, ceramides play another important role. As a part of the skin’s barrier layer, they help protect it from exposure to environmental aggressors like pollution and dry air. When your skin doesn't contain enough ceramides, it shows. "When the skin lacks ceramides, the barrier becomes compromised, resulting in dryness and irritation,". Recent research has linked low ceramide levels to skin conditions, like Eczema.

Ceramides fall under the category of skin-identical ingredients. Because they’re naturally a part of your skin, ceramides are ideal for all skin types—even the most sensitive, breakout-prone, or oily skin. A Ceramide cream increases skin hydration and improves barrier function.