Ceramide

The key to healthy skin, ceramide

Our body has a skin barrier that protects the skin from harmful external environments. When this barrier is damaged, it can lead to various skin problems. Ceramide is a key component of this barrier and is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the skin care market, not only to improve the barrier, but also to maintain healthy skin. Let's take a closer look at what ceramide is and what its benefits are!

What is ceramide?

Ceramide is one of the lipids found in the skin and is an important part of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin. The stratum corneum consists of keratinocytes and intercellular lipids (ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids). Among these, ceramide makes up 50% of the intercellular lipids, making it a key substance.

Ceramide is formed by the combination of various sphingoids and fatty acids, resulting in several types of ceramides. Therefore, the human stratum corneum contains a variety of different ceramide types. In general, the types of ceramides abundant in the human stratum corneum include ceramide NP, NH, and AP. However, there may be differences in the types and amounts of ceramides depending on individual skin types and conditions.

When describing ceramides in the stratum corneum, many studies often use the ‘bricks and mortar’ model: When you think of a wall made of bricks, you can’t build a strong, sturdy wall without mortar to fill the spaces between the bricks. If you think of the skin’s keratinocytes as bricks, ceramide is the mortar that holds the bricks together. When ceramide levels in the skin are maintained and replenished properly, it helps to achieve healthy skin condition.

What types of ceramides are commonly used in cosmetics?

Ceramides are widely included in various skin care products, and the most common types of ceramides are ceramide NP, EOP, AP, NS, and AS. The alphabet stands for each type of ceramide, and the names are based on the different types of sphingoid lipids and fatty acids they contain.

Since the stratum corneum of our skin is made up of several types of ceramides, it can be beneficial to replenish the skin with a variety of different ceramides.

If you are curious about what types of ceramides are included in a particular skincare product, you can check the ingredient list on the back of the product. You will see the names of the different types of ceramides listed.

The various benefits of ceramide

1. Improving skin barrier function and moisture

The primary benefit of ceramide is that it improves the skin barrier. Ceramide is found between cells, keeping keratinocytes tightly bound together and protecting the skin from harmful external elements. The skin barrier can become damaged due to various factors such as aging and UV exposure.

When the skin barrier is compromised, the skin becomes more vulnerable to external irritants, potentially leading to a variety of skin problems. However, ceramide replenishment can help restore the barrier and protect the skin.

Ceramides also play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance. By filling the gaps between keratinocytes and keeping the barrier healthy, they prevent the skin's natural moisture from evaporating to the outside. When applied topically, they can also hydrate the skin to relieve dryness.

2. Prevention of wrinkles and aging

Ceramides’ ability to improve the skin barrier and replenish moisture is closely linked to preventing skin aging. When the body’s ceramide levels decline, the skin becomes rough and prone to dryness. The lack of moisture in dry skin also accelerates the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging. One study found that replenishing ceramides in skin with a damaged skin barrier and dryness can reduce dryness and improve the appearance of wrinkles. While ceramide levels naturally decline with age, regularly replenishing them can help maintain skin hydration and elasticity, ultimately helping to prevent wrinkles.

3. Improving skin problems

Ceramide plays a protective role in shielding the skin from harmful external elements. Ceramide deficiency can lead to skin problems due to a variety of irritants, including harmful bacteria. Previous studies have shown that acne-prone skin has lower levels of ceramide than healthy skin and that its barrier function is impaired. Replenishing ceramide in acne-prone skin can help improve skin problems.

What skin types can use ceramides?

Ceramide can be used on all skin types. Whether your skin is dry, oily, barrier-damaged or acne-prone, ceramides can be used without any problems. Ceramide is found in the stratum corneum of the skin, and it forms a barrier and helps keep the skin stable and healthy.

While it would be ideal for ceramide levels in the body to remain constant, internal and external stimulation and aging cause levels to decline over time, making it important to replenish lost ceramides to maintain healthy skin.

Try products that contain ceramides and choose a formula that suits your skin type. This will allow you to experience the benefits of ceramides more effectively.

Can ceramide be used on acne-prone skin?

There are many reasons why acne breakouts occur, but a lack of ceramide in the skin can lead to breakouts due to the introduction of harmful elements such as bacteria from the outside. Research has shown that acne-prone skin has significantly lower ceramide levels compared to healthy skin.

This highlights the close connection between ceramide and acne care. Using products containing ceramides on acne-prone skin can help maintain a healthy skin environment and prevent further irritation.

Are there any precautions when using ceramide?

Ceramide is known to be an extremely safe ingredient that does not irritate the skin. Since it is a skin-friendly ingredient that is naturally present in our skin, you can enjoy the benefits of ceramide without any special precautions.

There is also no need for special precautions when mixing with other ingredients. Use a ceramide product after using highly functional ingredients such as vitamin C and high-content retinol, which are highly effective but can cause irritation. It can soothe irritated skin and provide greater effectiveness.