Ceramides are the building block of a healthy skin barrier. Here’s how to keep them topped-up

Why do we need ceramides?

“Ceramides help the skin to be able to protect itself. The human body is made up of approximately 70% water, but once we reach the surface this can be as low as 10-30%,” says Sara Waterman, Senior Aesthetician at luxury skin destination, Young LDN. “Ceramides hold in moisture and help keep the skin hydrated on all levels. By creating a barrier, this keeps the water in and protects from environmental damage,” she adds.

“While your body naturally produces ceramides, they do diminish over time. They can also diminish during seasonal changes such as when it’s really cold, or boiling hot, they can decrease after a change of diet or from the overuse of soaps or exfoliants,” notes Chapman. “Low levels of ceramides result in dehydrated, irritated skin and can even lead to more serious skin conditions such as atopic Dermatitis,” she says, so it’s important to keep them topped up.

What are the benefits of ceramides?

“The correct levels of ceramides will result in smoother, softer skin that feels instantly more comfortable and refreshed,” explains Chapman. And, they can help to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Ceramides are one of the anti-ageing ‘powerhouses’ and can be thanked for helping to keep skin dewy, plump and soothed,” adds Chapman.

How to use ceramides?

“Ceramides can be found in various products such as serums and creams as well as cleansers that help to protect the delicate natural barrier,” says Waterman. “They can be combined with peptides, antioxidants, niacinamide and retinol to name a few [to give a products added plumping, soothing and cushioning action]. They are excellent to use after AHA/BHA exfoliation to replenish the moisture levels which can be depleted with overuse.”

For example, there’s The Inkey List’s Ceramide Night Treatment — an effective product that combines ceramides with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid for ultra soft, ultra plump skin – or Sarah Chapman Comfort Cream D-stress which targets the main signs of sensitivity, calming irritation and reducing redness. You can find more skincare products with ceramides at the bottom of the page.

Which skin types suit ceramides?

“Every skin type, when it’s healthy, will be producing and benefiting from ceramides, as they are part of a healthy skin hydration balance. However some conditions, especially dehydrated, stressed or ageing skin that is no longer producing an adequate amount of ceramides will greatly benefit from their addition,” says Waterman.