Ceramides
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Moisturizer
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Moisturizers, serums, toners, cleansers
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CERAMIDES ?
Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss, or water loss from the outermost layer of the skin. A decrease in the ceramide content of skin can lead to skin irritation, dryness and eczema flares.
WHAT IS CERAMIDES ?
Ceramides are lipids, or fats, that make up part of the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum. They play an essential role in maintaining the skin barrier function. While naturally-derived ceramides are found in the skin, synthetic ceramides are commonly used in skincare products.
IS CERAMIDES SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Yes
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None
Sources:
- Meckfessel MH, Brandt S. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul;71(1):177-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.01.891. Epub 2014 Mar 20. PMID: 24656726.
- Kono T, Miyachi Y, Kawashima M. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review. J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;48(12):1807-1816. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.16175. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34596254; PMCID: PMC9293121.
- Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-29. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004. PMID: 12553851.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH
Author
Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, is a dermatology resident physician at Weill Cornell Dermatology in New York City. Her clinical interests include skin of color dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and skincare education. She has been involved with medical writing for the last 10 years.
