Ceramides isn’t just a new skincare trend. Here is how they can work wonders

Ceramides make up over 50 per cent of your skin’s structure, and are responsible for handling external skin drama.

Using kitchen ingredients as skincare remedies is a common practice in Indian households. | Pexels

Ringing in the new year involves making those ‘new year, new me’ resolutions. From sticking to a healthy diet to giving up bad habits, resolutions can be anything. But what you must not avoid this year is skincare.

Now, talking of skincare, let me today introduce you to ceramides, the star of this week’s piece.

Ceramides are your friends. In fact, they should be your skin’s BFFs. They are nothing but lipids—fats that exist in the top layers of your skin and make it look its best while handling the external chaos. 

Here’s something that might blow your mind: Ceramides make up over 50 per cent of your skin’s structure. Yes, that’s right. And they are also responsible for handling external skin drama. So, wouldn’t you want them on your good side?

What are ceramides supposed to do?

Short answer: they hold your skin together.
Long answer: some big science-y words coming up. 

Think of your skin as a brick wall. Now, if your skin is the brick, then ceramide is the cement holding it together. Think personal skin squad and that’s ceramide for you. They actively form a barrier that locks in the moisture and blocks out the unnecessary but inevitable bad vibes associated with environmental stress and pollution. 

Ceramides are also the OG anti-ageing agents. They support your skin’s elasticity and glow—thanks to phytosphingosine and sphingolipids, two amazing bases that enable ceramides to generate and directly support the elasticity and glow of our skin.

Do you need them?

Being in the skincare business for over 15 years, I can say that opting for ceramide-based products will do you the world of good. And here’s why: as we get older, our skin tends to weaken and spends an annoying amount of time soaking up unnecessary—and unavoidable—UV rays. This leads to depletion of the skin’s natural ceramide levels, resulting in a weak barrier. 

And a weakened barrier is an invite to dryness, wrinkles, and acne, annoying gatecrashers that you really don’t want on display. 

Here’s where skincare products with ceramides enter to save your skin—and your day. They provide a regular dose of skin barrier protection. 

Here’s a tip: always apply ceramide-packed moisturisers on slightly damp skin. The logic behind this is to lock in your skin’s moisture. Obviously, you’ve got to be mindful of your skin type; oily skin doesn’t require much moisturiser, whereas severely dry skin types would require more moisture sealing. 

What’s with the current ceramide hype? 

This one’s going to need a bit of explaining, but the short answer is: social media. You must have come across a whole lot of content on Instagram and TikTok fueled by a younger audience—read Gen Z—who are very focussed on skincare. The past few years have seen an increased interest in skincare routines and products that are safe, sustainable, and actually deliver on their promises. 

While I’m never one for skincare fads or trends, the ceramide bandwagon is something I can get behind because this isn’t just another trend. Here is why.

Goodbye wrinkles

A significant number of patients come to me for anti-wrinkle solutions. I always say that keeping your skin hydrated is a huge part of preventing wrinkles. Regular use of a ceramide-friendly moisturiser will undoubtedly help keep your skin smooth and hydrated, and even lead to a better pH level. 

Fights acne 

Ceramides are acne’s enemies because they actively prevent your skin from getting dry. Ceramide-based products help soothe the dryness and that too without clogging your pores. Magical, right? 

Where can you find ceramides?

It’s easier to find than you think. 

Next time you’re out skincare shopping, make sure to check out the back of your preferred moisturiser. Moisturisers are usually packed with ceramides because they enable these products to do the bulk of their job, and help your skin’s barrier stay strong and hydrated. 

Here’s a list of products available in India that are packed with ceramides: 

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Packed with ceramide and hyaluronic acid, it keeps your skin hydrated and restores its skin’s barrier. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel cream

This one is a lightweight gel that’s perfect for thirsty skin.

The Derma Co. 1% Ceramide Moisturizer

It is lightweight, excellent for hydration, and strengthens your skin barrier.

Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream

This one blends ceramides with vitamin E to repair and soothe the skin.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence

This product is packed with ceramides, is lightweight, and absorbed within a few seconds.

Some other amazing finds

Kaya Skin Clinic Cera Repair Cream

Himalaya Nourishing Skin Cream

Pharmaceris A.S Epidermis Repair Cream

Malu Wilz Ceramide Cream

WOW Skin Science Retinol & Ceramide Cream

Picking the right thing

I would always suggest that you consider your skin type, specific needs, and, of course, do a patch test first before zeroing in on a ceramide-based moisturiser. 

Dry skin: You should look for something hydrating like CeraVe or Dr. Sheth’s

Sensitive skin: Go for gentle and only fragrance-free creams. Kaya or Pharmaceris can be good options.

Anti-ageing: You cannot go wrong with a combination of ceramide and retinol. WOW Skin Science is what you should pick.

It’s fascinating to think about the ways our skin is structured to protect us. So, do yourself—and your skin—a favour by adopting smart skincare routines and allowing your skin to live its best life, with ceramide protection.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)