Why Ceramides Are The Gold Standard For Skin Barrier Support
By Carolyn Steber | Health and Beauty Editor at Hustle
If your skin care routine feels like it's missing something, it could very well be a ceramide. This hero ingredient isn’t as flashy as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, but it does all the behind-the-scenes work when it comes to giving you glowy, hydrated skin.
Ceramides are fatty molecules that play a vital role in the health of your skin, especially when it comes to protecting the all-important moisture barrier. “If you think of the skin’s moisture barrier as a brick wall with the skin cells being the bricks, ceramides are the glue or the mortar that holds the skin cells together,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
These naturally occurring fats, or lipids, are found in the outermost layer of your epidermis. Apart from holding skin cells together, they also help to seal in moisture so your face and body stay protected from the elements, says Dr. Divya Shokeen, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
You’ll know you need to boost your ceramides if you experience signs of skin barrier disruption, like dryness, breakouts, itching, redness, or dullness in your skin texture, Shirazi tells Bustle.
Luckily, ceramides can be found in countless moisturizers for the face and body, so it’s easier than ever to add them to your beauty regimen. Here’s everything to know about using ceramides, straight from dermatologists.
What Do Ceramides Do For The Skin?
Ceramides are the main character when it comes to protecting your skin, which is why they’re a must-have in cooler weather. According to Shokeen, ceramide-rich products help reduce moisture loss on cold days by trapping hydration in, so your skin feels more comfortable.
The fatty molecules strengthen your skin barrier and keep the good stuff — like moisture — in, while they also help keep the bad stuff out, says Shirazi. Think irritants, allergens, and pollution.
Ceramide-rich products also increase hydration so that your skin looks shiny, smooth, and supple, notes Shokeen. On top of that, they’re MVPs at calming your complexion. “Ceramides aid in reducing inflammation, soothing irritated or red skin, and can potentially help improve conditions like rosacea and eczema,” Shokeen says.
Are Ceramides Safe To Use?
According to Dr. Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, anyone can benefit from using ceramides, as they’re a natural component of skin — and are generally safe for all skin types to use. He’s also a big fan of how they help skin tolerate other active ingredients, like retinol, by helping to boost moisture.
While too much of anything is never a good idea, Shirazi says it’s hard to overdo it with ceramides. They’re typically found in moisturizers and other hydrating formulas, which are typically safe to smooth on all day as needed.