Ceramides are universally beloved by dermatologists; play nicely with a wide array of other ingredients; and, really, can do no wrong. Forget the vanity and aging side of things (though yes, they can be helpful there, too)—ceramides are essential for keeping our skin strong and healthy. But what, exactly, are they?<\/p>
Read on for everything you need to know about these superstars plus the best ceramide products to try now.<\/p>
Ceramides are lipids, or fat molecules, found in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. There are nine different types of ceramides, which make up 50% of the epidermis, says Dr. Marie Hayag<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The number of ceramides in the skin speaks to their importance and function. <\/p> The easiest way to think about ceramides is in the context of bricks and mortar. “Your skin cells are the bricks, and the ceramides are the mortar, or glue, that help hold them together and create a smooth surface, with no cracks,” says Dr. Mona Gohara<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Danbury, Connecticut. When we don’t have enough ceramides, that outermost layer of the skin becomes compromised; irritants can get in, and natural moisture can escape, explains Dr. Gohara. (To that point, if your skin is both dry and irritated, this is a pretty definitive indicator that your barrier is weakened and you need to replenish ceramides, she adds.) In short, “ceramides are extremely important in dermatology, both because of the role they play in helping keep the skin moisturized and their protective properties,” says Dr. Hayag.<\/p>What do ceramides do for skin? <\/h2>