She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Ceramides: The Ultimate Skincare Ingredient

What Are Ceramides?

Ceramides are fatty acids that make up about half of your skin’s outer layer. These waxy lipids help keep moisture in and damage out. You can also find them in hair cuticles and even in your brain. According to California-based dermatologist Nadir Qazi, ceramides play a crucial role in keeping skin hydrated and preventing harmful bacteria from invading your dermis (the middle layer of skin).

Why Use Ceramide Products?

While your body already produces ceramides, using ceramide products can help supplement any deficiencies. NYC-based dermatologist Elaine Kung explains that moisturizers are often made with ingredients “the same or similar to natural components of the skin.” In other words, if your body’s ceramide levels are lacking, a ceramide product can pick up the slack.

Types of Ceramides

There are 9 types of ceramides, but you’re likely to see 7 types on skin care product labels. To narrow things down, our dermatologists recommend focusing on the 3 ceramides proven most effective in research: Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, and Ceramide 6-II.

How Do Ceramides Help Skin?

Here’s what the pros say ceramides can do for you:

• Boost hydration: Ceramides lock in moisture, making them essential during cold, dry winter months or for those with thirsty skin.
• Ward off premature aging: Your body’s ceramide production decreases with age, leading to dry skin and more pronounced wrinkles.
• Soothe irritation: Those with sensitive, inflamed skin or conditions like eczema can benefit from ceramides’ moisturizing, soothing properties.
• Ward off harmful bacteria: Ceramides have antibacterial properties, which can help prevent infections or acne outbreaks.
• Balance your skin’s pH: Ceramides can help balance skin pH for up to 24 hours.

Ceramides and Hair Care

“Ceramides can have amazing benefits for hair,” Qazi says. Similar to the skin, hair follicles need hydration and moisture to keep them flat and in place. The benefits of ceramides can be extremely apparent for people who dye or bleach their hair.

Who Should Use Products with Ceramides?

Consider trying a product with ceramides if you:

• Live with dry skin
• Have an inflammatory skin condition
• Are building an anti-aging skincare routine
• Want to boost your hair health

Finding the Best Products with Ceramides

Here are a few tips for finding the best ceramide-rich product for you:

• Look for research-backed ceramides: In most cases, pros recommend products infused with ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II.
• Avoid possible irritants: Some ceramide skin care products contain other ingredients that could dry or irritate inflamed skin.
• Ask your derm: When in doubt, talk to a dermatologist.

Best Products with Ceramides

The pros recommend the following skin care superstars:

1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion: Kung recommends starting with dermatologist darling CeraVe.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin: Qazi recommends this CeraVe cream for folks with eczema.
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: Qazi recommends this luxurious facial moisturizer for anyone — but especially those with dry skin.

How to Use Ceramides

Incorporating ceramides into your skincare routine is super simple:

• Skin cleansers: Yes, some cleaners have ceramides!
• Creams and moisturizers: Apply these before bed or in the morning before you slather on sunscreen.
• Serums: Apply serums with ceramides after cleansing but before moisturizing.

What about Side Effects?

Topical ceramides are considered a pretty safe bet for most skin types. However, you could always experience an allergic reaction to other ingredients in the ceramide product. Always do a patch test to see how your skin reacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which is better, ceramides or hyaluronic acid?: Both ceramides and hyaluronic acid strengthen and hydrate the skin, so your preference will depend on your skin and skin care goals.
• What are the 3 essential ceramides?: These 3 ceramides have the most clinical data to back up their benefits: Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, and Ceramide 6-II.
• Do ceramides heal skin?: Ceramides help restore the skin barrier to heal inflammation associated with eczema. However, older research suggests that ceramides have little effect on wound healing.
• Which ceramide is best for skin?: There is no single “best” ceramide. The 3 “essential” ceramides — 1, 3, and 6-II — have the most research-backed evidence for improving skin health and hydration.
• Which is better, ceramide or niacinamide?: Both ceramide and niacinamide hydrate the skin and support a healthy skin barrier. Qazi recommends niacinamide for skin toning and light hydration. For dehydrated skin, opt for ceramides.
• Are ceramides good for your hair?: Yes, ceramides lock moisture into the hair cuticle, keeping locks healthy and hydrated. Ceramide-infused shampoos and conditioners are especially beneficial for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.