When it comes to skincare ingredients, ceramides often don’t get the spotlight they deserve.  But these little powerhouses are the unsung heroes of a healthy, happy and hydrated skin.  If you’ve ever wondered whether you need ceramides in your skincare regime, read on!

What Are Ceramides?

Ceramides are a type of lipid (or fat) naturally found in your skin. They’re part of the stratum corneum - the outermost layer of the epidermis - which acts as a protective barrier between your body and the outside world. Ceramides make up 40-50% of the lipids in this layer, alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids.

Think of ceramides as the "mortar" holding your skin cells (the "bricks") together. This structure helps keep irritants out, locks moisture in, and supports a healthy skin barrier. Without enough ceramides, your skin barrier can become compromised, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

Naturally Found in Your Skin

Your skin produces ceramides as part of its natural defense system. However, age, environmental stressors (like UV exposure), harsh skincare products, and certain skin conditions, can cause your ceramide levels to drop over time. 

Why Ceramides Are Skincare Superstars

If your skin barrier is struggling, incorporating ceramides into your routine can be a game-changer. Here’s how ceramide-enriched products can benefit your skin:

1. Restore the Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier is essential for healthy skin. Research shows that ceramide-containing skincare products can help repair a compromised barrier, improving the skin's resilience and reducing irritation. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science highlighted how topical ceramides improve barrier function in conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema (Mao-Qiang et al., 2013).

2. Lock in Moisture

Dry skin often signals a weakened barrier, and ceramides can help. By replenishing the ceramide content in your skin, moisturizers and serums with ceramides enhance your skin's ability to retain water, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.

3. Soothe Sensitive Skin

If your skin reacts to everything, you might have a damaged skin barrier. Ceramides can calm sensitivity by reinforcing the barrier, protecting your skin from environmental irritants, and reducing inflammation.

4. Fight Signs of Aging

Loss of ceramides is one reason skin becomes thinner and drier with age. By replenishing your ceramide levels, you can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Incorporate Ceramides into Your Skincare Regime

Ceramides are versatile and can be found in a wide range of products.  For best results, use ceramide containing products in your daily skincare routine - such as a ceramide containing cleansers and moisturiser.

Cleansers: If your skin is dry or sensitive, a ceramide-infused cleanser can help cleanse your skin while also maintain your skin’s barrier .  The SBK face cream cleaner is a great example of a ceramide cleanser that effectively cleans your skin without over stripping it!
Moisturisers: Look for a moisturiser with ceramides to restore your barrier, support sensitive skin, lock in hydration and reduce signs of aging.  The SBK face moisturizer is a great example of a light-weight ceramide rich face moisturiser, that achieves all this whilst not feeling heavy.

When introducing ceramides, consistency is key. Use them daily to see noticeable improvements in your skin's hydration and resilience.

Are Ceramides Right for Everyone?

The beauty of ceramides is that they’re suitable for all skin types. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, acne or aging concerns, ceramides can enhance your routine. They’re particularly beneficial if you use active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids, which can sometimes disrupt the skin barrier.

If your skin feels tight, looks dull, or is prone to redness, adding a ceramide-rich product could be just what you need.

The Takeaway

Ceramides are essential for a healthy skin barrier, and their benefits extend from hydration and soothing to anti-aging. While your skin produces ceramides naturally, external factors and aging can deplete them, making topical ceramides a must-have for many people.

Whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned pro, incorporating ceramides into your routine can elevate your results. For a glowing, resilient complexion, consider adding a ceramide-rich moisturizer or serum to your lineup.

Your skin will thank you!

Dr Kara

References

Kahraman, E., Kaykın, M., Şahin Bektay, H., & Güngör, S. (2019). Recent Advances on Topical Application of Ceramides to Restore Barrier Function of Skin. Cosmetics, 6(3), 52. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030052

Kimata, H., et al. (2023). 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, 36(4), e14970. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14970

Krishnan, K., et al. (2022). Function of ceramides in the skin and its relationship with skin barrier function: A review. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 44(6), 669–680. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12972

Sutaria, N., et al. (2024). Efficacy of a ceramide- and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream as an adjunct in acne vulgaris: A split-face randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16212

Bhalerao, A., et al. (2024). Clinical evaluation of a topical ceramide lotion on skin hydration and skin barrier in healthy volunteers with dry skin. Cosmoderma. https://cosmoderma.org/clinical-evaluation-of-a-topical-ceramide-lotion-on-skin-hydration-and-skin-barrier-in-healthy-volunteers-with-dry-skin/

Nugroho WT, Sawitri S, Astindari A, et al. (2023) The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian Journal of Dermatology.  Jan-Feb;68(1):53-58. DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_991_22. PMID: 37151263; PMCID: PMC10162745.