What are
ceramides
and how do they help skin?

How does the skin work as a barrier? ​

The skin barrier, made of corneocytes, protects against pollutants and UV rays, keeping the skin hydrated. It's reinforced with lipids, fatty acids, ceramides, and filaggrin. Think of your skin barrier as a "brick and mortar" model: the bricks are the corneocytes which help retain water and they are embedded in the mortar, which is the lipids. These lipids include fatty acids, ceramides, cholesterol and filaggrin. Filaggrin is a key protein that helps keep the skin resilient whilst producing NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors).

What are the 3 essential ceramides?​   ​

Ceramides are key to keep your skin in good condition, they make up to 50% of the lipid layer on the skin barrier and they help keep the barrier intact, thus protecting against external factors. CeraVe's formulas include ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II. Our formulas help protect the skin's natural barrier. This enhances hydration, reduces dryness, and strengthens the skin barrier. 

Can ceramides help with the look of ageing signs?  ​

Research has shown that ceramides levels decline with age, leading to dryness, rough texture and loss of elasticity. The skin barrier also becomes more prone to external aggressions, such as pollution and UV damage. Our formulas are formulated with 3 essential ceramides and they help protect the skin barrier function thus helping fight some of those ageing signs linked to the loss of ceramides.

Do ceramides clog pores?​   ​

Ceramides tend to be non-comedogenic and well tolerated by most skin types, but of you have oily skin prone to clogging you should look for formulas that are labelled as non-comedogenic. Whether a product will clog your pores will depend on the overall formulation, not just the ceramides. At CeraVe we have formulations to suit all skin types. If you are prone to congestion, you should look for a lighter formulation that is non-comedogenic, such as CeraVe’s facial moisturising lotion.   

Which skin types can use ceramides?​   ​

Ceramides can be used by all skin types to help keep the skin barrier healthy. A healthy skin barrier can also help with a wide range of skincare concerns including dryness, dehydration, and sensitivity.

Do ceramides react with other skincare ingredients?​ ​

Ceramides are stable and mix well with most skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and antioxidants. They enhance hydration and barrier function and can offset tightness sensations from some actives. Always patch test new combinations.    

How often can you use ceramides?​

For best results, use skincare containing ceramides twice a day, in the morning and evening. This will ensure your skin barrier is functioning well, and your skin hydration levels are good.