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 concerns. Ceramide is a key component of this barrier and is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the skincare market, not only for improving the barrier but also for maintaining 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 are an important component of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin. The stratum corneum is composed of keratinocytes and intercellular lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids). Among these, ceramide constitutes 50% of the intercellular lipids, making it a key substance.
Ceramide is formed by the combination of various sphingoids and fatty acids, resulting in multiple types of ceramides. Consequently, the stratum corneum of human contains a variety of ceramide types. In general, the types of ceramides that are abundant in the stratum corneum of humans 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 'brick-and- mortar' model: When thinking of a wall made of bricks, you can't build a strong, sturdy wall without mortar to fill in the gaps between the bricks. If you think of the skin's keratinocytes as bricks, ceramide is the mortar that holds the bricks together. When the level of ceramides in the skin is maintained and properly replenished, it helps achieve a healthy skin condition.

｜What Types of Ceramides Are Commonly Used in Cosmetics?

Ceramides are widely included in various skincare 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 multiple types of ceramides, replenishing the skin with a variety of ceramides can be beneficial.  
If you’re curious about which types of ceramides are included in a particular skincare product, check the ingredients list on the back of the product. You'll see the names of the different types of ceramides listed. 

｜The Various Benefits of Ceramide

1. Improvement of 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 range of skin issues. However, replenishing ceramide can help restore the barrier and protect the skin.
Ceramide also plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance. By filling in 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 moisturize the skin to relieve dryness.

2. Wrinkles and Aging Prevention

Ceramide’s ability to improve the skin barrier and replenish moisture is closely linked to preventing skin aging. When the body’s ceramide levels decrease, the skin becomes rough and prone to dryness. Also, The lack of moisture in dry skin accelerates the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging. One study has shown that replenishing ceramides in the skin that has the damaged skin barrier and a 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. Skin Problems Improvement

Ceramide plays a protective role in protecting the skin from harmful external elements. A lack of ceramide can lead to skin problems due to a variety of irritants, including harmful bacteria. Prior studies have shown that acne 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 the skin concerns.

｜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 issues. Ceramide is found in the stratum corneum of the skin and it forms a barrier and helps maintain 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 its levels to decrease over time. Therefore, replenishing lost ceramides is important to maintaining healthy skin.
Try products that contain ceramides and choose a formulation that suits your skin type. Doing so 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 a highly safe ingredient that does not irritate the skin. Since it is a skin-friendly ingredient naturally present in our skin, you can enjoy the benefits of ceramide without any special precautions.
There is also no need for particular cautions when mixing with other ingredients. Use a ceramide product after using high functionality ingredients like vitamin C and retinol in high content, which are highly effective but may cause irritation. It can soothe irritated skin and allow for greater effectiveness.

Introducing COSRX's Ceramide Products