Topical Application: How Dangerous Are Ceramides?

Ceramides are a family of naturally occurring lipids in the skin, characterized by the combination of a hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated (saturated or monounsaturated) fatty acid with a sphingoid base via an amide bond. They account for 50% of the skin's composition.

Ceramides play a key role in the barrier function of the epidermis, where they are an essential component of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. The role of ceramides is therefore to protect the skin from external influences and prevent dehydration. Studies have even shown that a decrease in the ceramide level in the intercellular lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum is associated with dry skin.

With age and due to sun damage, among other factors, ceramide levels decrease, which is associated with a damaged skin barrier, fine lines, dry and rough skin, redness, a sallow complexion as well as moisture loss. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for this deficiency with care products enriched with ceramides of natural or synthetic origin to strengthen the protective barrier of the epidermis.