What Are Ceramides And How Do They Help Our Skin?

Let's talk ceramides. What are ceramides and how do they benefit our skin? If you covet happy, healthy, hydrated skin (who doesn't) ceramides are just one of the ingredients you should be making sure are included in your skincare routine. Naturally found in our skin cells, ceramides are a class of fatty acids called lipids. ‘Think of ceramides as being the waterproof mortar, glueing together the corneocyte (skin cell) bricks, forming a barrier that protects the skin against environmental aggressors such as pollution and irritants,’ explains Dr Catherine Denning, Cosmetic Doctor and Curél’s Skincare Ambassador. ‘As we age, the levels in our skin naturally decline,’ says Dr Sophie Shotter, Aesthetic Doctor, ‘so using skincare products or treatments containing ceramides will help boost levels and slow down the signs of ageing.’

So, how exactly do ceramides work in skincare?

‘When used in skincare, ceramides help replenish natural lipids that are lost from free radical damage, harsh ingredients in products, and ageing,’ explains skincare trailblazer and founder of her eponymous skincare range, Kate Somerville. ‘They help restore moisture and protect against harmful environmental pollutants.’

Because of their soothing and hydrating properties, ceramides are especially great for those of us with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. ‘Without the right amount of ceramides, the skin's barrier can become compromised, leading to dryness, itching and irritation,’ says Denning. ‘Ceramides in skincare will replace depleted lipids.’

Where are ceramides derived from and how many different types are there?

‘There are nine types of ceramides in the skin’s stratum corneum and they account for 40-50% of the lipids in this outermost layer,’ explains Denning. Ceramides used in skincare are usually synthetic, derived from yeast, but they can be natural. ‘Natural ceramides are mostly extracted from sweet potatoes, whole-grains and brown rice,’ says Denning. ‘The reason why brands tend to use synthetic ceramides is because natural ceramides are unstable and very hard to stabilise.’

Should ceramides be used in conjunction with other skincare ingredients?

Short answer = yes. ‘They can be combined with pretty much anything on your bathroom shelf,’ says Shotter. In fact, Denning encourages her patients to use ceramide rich products to ensure actives like AHAS, BHAS and retinol don’t irritate the skin too much. ‘In the clinic I've noticed that alongside the sensitivity associated with pollution and ageing, more people are using actives inappropriately or too often resulting in impaired barrier function (dry, sensitive skin) that is crying out for ceramide replenishment.’

Should we all be using skincare containing ceramides?

‘Absolutely,’ says Shotter, ‘they really are great for skin - you can’t go wrong with them.’

‘Ceramides are our natural moisturiser and are key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier as well as to help prevent superficial ageing of the skin. If you are using active ingredients, have dry, sensitive skin or are wanting to prevent ageing then yes, you should consider using a ceramide in your routine,’ seconds Denning.

Typically used in creams, lotions, ointments as well as some cleansers and serums – shop our curated edit of the best skincare products packed with ceramides here:

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