This Ingredient Is the Key to Your Best Winter Skin, Ever
Lisa Patulny is a beauty editor, journalist, career creative and Italo disco enthusiast. (She’s also a qualified volunteer ethics teacher, so if you’re looking for a D&M on an ethical issue, you know who to call.) She’s passionate about a lot of other things too: sun safety, skincare, fragrance, family (hi kids!), food and travel. Find her on socials @lisapatulny.
Few things in this world are certain, but one thing you can count on is winter’s ability to disturb even the most well-nourished skin.
Cold winds, scalding showers, heaters pumping day and night, constant car air con – it’s enough to suck the life out of anyone’s complexion.
Enter: ceramides.
Though they’ve been used in skincare formulations for decades (first entering the public consciousness in the late ‘80s), they’ve often been overshadowed by trendier ingredients.
No more!
Ceramides are finally getting their due, showing up in everything from new cleansers to eye creams.
And guess what? Their moisturising and barrier-enhancing properties make them perfect for boosting your winter skincare regime.
So, let’s take a peek at what makes ceramides such a star ingredient this season.
(Got dryness, sensitivity or a compromised skin barrier? You might want to pay extra-close attention.)
First Up, What Are Ceramides?
Most of us have heard of them, but what exactly are ceramides?
Ceramides are a type of lipid, or fat molecule, that naturally occurs in skin cells.
It’s believed they make up 30% to 40% of the outermost layer of our skin (called the epidermis), and they’ve got a few essential jobs.
According to dermal therapist Yadira Cauchi, there’s an analogy we can use to understand how they work.
“Think of your skin cells as bricks and ceramides as the mortar that holds everything together,” she explains.
Basically, ceramides form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and shields the skin from irritants, pollutants and pathogens.
This function is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.
Cauchi explains that though you’ll spot different types of ceramides on ingredient lists (AP, NG, NS, NP, EOP, to name a few), it doesn’t matter much which you choose.
“Ultimately, they all function very similarly.”
Ageing, sun damage, harsh weather, and certain skin conditions can all disrupt the natural ceramide levels in our skin, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and an impaired skin barrier (Rude.)
But by incorporating ceramides into your skincare regime, you can replenish your levels.
Great news!
The Benefits of Using Ceramides.
So, what are the key benefits of using skincare products that contain ceramides?
“There are so many!” says Cauchi of ceramide benefits.
“Ceramides prevent transepidermal water loss – meaning they’re especially good for dehydrated/drier skins, reduce inflammation, balance sebum, provide moisturisation and improve the barrier function.”
And, unlike spicy actives, they’re gentle enough to be used around the eyes.
Cauchi warns against sleeping on ceramides simply because they’re found naturally in the skin: “Ceramides deplete over time, so when you’re young, you might not notice a huge benefit, but you will when you’re older.”
Ceramides come into their own during winter when cold temps and low humidity can exacerbate dryness and sensitivity because of their super-hydrating and skin-repairing properties.
What Skin Types Should Use Ceramides?
“Ceramides are already naturally found in our skin, so really, they are great for all skin types,” says Cauchi.
That said, if you have dehydrated or dry skin, you could benefit more than most from this ingredient.
Those with barrier impairment, acne and/or sensitivity can get amongst too.
“Research suggests that people with eczema or psoriasis may produce fewer ceramides, so adding them to your skincare can help,” says Cauchi.
How to Use Ceramides in Your Skincare Routine.
Ceramides are found in various skincare products, including cleansers, serums, and moisturisers, making it easy to incorporate them at any step. (PS. Cauchi says it’s Ok to double or even triple dose.)
When it comes to ceramides in skin care, though all skincare takes time, patience and consistency, Cauchi says you’ll see an increase in moisturisation in as little as five days of using topical ceramides.
However, their anti-ageing benefits (i.e. increased smoothness and plumpness) take longer and will be more evident if you also use sunscreen and vitamin A.
A few pro tips from Cauchi:
“Ceramides work well with all other ingredients, but fatty acids, glycerine and cholesterol can actually boost their effectiveness in improving skin texture and function and helping with skin sensitivities. Antioxidants, vitamins A and B and peptides can enhance its anti-ageing effects too.”
Best Products With Ceramides.
Keen to try ceramides for yourself?
Start with these tried-and-true products:
1. Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser.
Great for winter skin, this ceramide cream combines three moisturising heroes (polyglutamic acid, squalane and, of course, ceramides) to nourish deeply.
Rich but never heavy, it locks in hydration for a better-protected barrier.
It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and packaged in a tube made from minimum 30% recycled plastic.
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
A great intro to ceramides, this wallet-friendly cleanser whisks away dirt and grime, leaving skin soft and supple.
It packs in a combo of ceramides (if you were looking for the best and most affordable ceramide cleanser), hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support hydration for up to 24 hours.
Dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
3. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist.
An easy hit of hydration, this spritz is juiced up with four types of hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramides for hydration, suppleness and glow.
Antioxidant-rich rosewater adds a subtle scent that makes this mist a pleasure to use.
Use it post-cleanse, or whenever skin needs a little extra bounce.
4. Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules.
A silky ceramide serum housed in single-use capsules for maximum freshness and efficacy.
You can expect to see an uptick in firmness and a reduction in lines and wrinkles.
Plus, the formulation supports natural collagen production for more youthful-looking skin.
The capsules are preservative- and fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and biodegradable.
Shop All the Products Mentioned in This Article
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum 60 Capsules$165.00
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml$17.99 - Currently not available
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 473ml$23.99
Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist$82.00
Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser 50mL$50.00
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