Ceramides are fats or lipids naturally found in the skin barrier. Their role is to maintain the moisture and ensure the skin’s health.

The skin barrier also called stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin (external layer of the epidermis). It is the frontline protection of the skin. Consists of corneocytes, keratinocytes in the last step of differentiation. The corneocytes are surrounded by lipids. Dead shells are eliminated and replaced by new skin cells. The skin barrier is also called lipid barrier. Those lipids are ceramides, fatty acids and other nutrients. It is the barrier that ensures nutrition and hydration.

When the skin barrier is compromised the first symptom that you notice is dehydration. Common symptoms are itchy, red skin, maybe flaky and less glowing. It is also prone to infections.

Ceramides play an essential role in maintaining the moisture and at the same time protect the skin from external aggressors.

However, it often happens that the number of ceramides decreases. This happens because of external factors such as air pollution and UV rays. Moreover, their production decreases as we age because the cells’ regeneration operates at a lower rate. Harsh exfoliants and over-exfoliation deprive the skin of its natural oils. The hydrolipid barrier is destroyed and the skin is exposed to any external factor that can cause damage.

Ceramides as well as fatty acids are necessary to restore the compromised skin barrier. Thus, ceramides are vital for the skin’s health. I personally combine creams with ceramides and fatty acids.

Everybody can use ceramides even those with oily skin. You can find them in serums, creams and eye creams. They are generally  well tolerated and do not cause irritation.

They are also useful in case of skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.

COMMON CERAMIDES

Ceramide 1, EOS

Ceramide 3, NP

Ceramide 6-II, AP

Phytosphingosine

Sphingosine

Ceramide 2, NS ή NG

Ceramide 9, EOP

The first five are considered the best option for dry and dehydrated skin.

In a  nutshell, ceramides are necessary to moisturize the skin and retain the skin barrier healthy.

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