An error occured on the server, please try later or contact the customer service

You're in offline mode with a limited website functionality. Please check your network connection.

Javascript seems to be disabled in your browser. In order to get the best possible experience please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Professional Academy

SkinCeuticals Rewards

Log in
My cart

Main content

Back to Skin Science

CERAMIDES AND THEIR BENEFITS IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Article Overview

Ceramides are lipids; a class of fatty, waxy, or oily compounds that are insoluble in water and found naturally and abundantly in the skin. In fact, about 50% of our skin's surface is composed of these hard-working compounds and they play several key roles. In the world of skin care we're most interested in how they contribute to the skin's functions as a barrier.

THE BASICS: CERAMIDES AND THE SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION

Ceramides play an essential role in the skin. In the stratum corneum, the outermost section of the epidermis layer, different ceramides work together synergistically to promote optimal skin barrier function, retaining moisture and protecting against external environmental aggressors. If you think of the stratum corneum as a brick wall, where the skin cells (called keratinocytes) are the bricks, ceramides act like the 'mortar' in between, filling and sealing the gaps between the cells to generate a protective barrier.

This makes ceramides essential for maintaining hydration levels, as well as improving skin texture and overall skin appearance. Reduced levels of some ceramides have also been associated with common medical skin conditions.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CERAMIDES

There are up to 15 types of ceramide molecule found naturally in human skin, performing a range of functions. Ceramides 1 and 3, the two found in Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, are both involved in skin barrier function, and work synergistically together, which is why SkinCeuticals uses them both!

On top of that, the addition of cholesterol and fatty acids adds even greater synergy to the process of helping support skin barrier repair.

The synthetic ceramides used in SkinCeuticals products are designed to be bio-identical to natural skin ceramides.

CERAMIDES AND AGEING

As part of the natural ageing process, the skin's natural ceramide production slows (this can also happen as a result of environmental factors) and ceramide levels drop. This can result in compromised skin barrier function, leading to moisture loss, dry skin, wrinkles, and sensitivity.

THE BENEFITS OF CERAMIDE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Using products containing ceramides, especially the specific ones found naturally in skin, can have the following benefits:

Skin Hydration: Ceramides keep your skin hydrated by reducing trans epidermal water loss from the outer layer of skin.
Protection: They strengthen your skin’s ability to function as a barrier, protecting against environmental aggressors like pollution.
Anti-ageing: The use of products rich in ceramides can help reduce visible signs of ageing such as fine lines or wrinkles.

INCORPORATING CERAMIDES INTO YOUR DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE IN THE MORNING

Step 1: Cleanse with Glycolic Renewal Foaming Facial Cleanser – a high-concentration soft-foaming cleanser designed for effective exfoliation of rough skin. Formulated with glycolic acid to promote skin cell turnover, as well as phytic acid, aloe leaf juice and glycerin, this cleanser helps deliver a clear, bright complexion while removing oil, dirt, debris, and long-wear makeup, and without stripping the skin of moisture. Alcohol-free and suitable for twice daily use.

Step 2: Apply C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum. This high potency serum contains a combination of powerful antioxidants in pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and ferulic acid, protecting the skin against environmental damage and premature signs of ageing caused by free radicals. It neutralises the free radicals and provides visible anti-ageing benefits, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin’s complexion. Suitable for normal and dry skin.

Step 3: Use SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 anti-ageing cream, formulated for dry skin with an optimised combination of physiological lipids: 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. This moisturiser helps restore the skin barrier and support natural skin self-repair, while also nourishing ageing skin to improve visible signs of ageing, like fullness, texture, laxity, appearance of pores, and overall radiance.

Step 4: Apply a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen such as Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50+, which protects skin from UVA/UVB rays and premature ageing. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling, and perspiring, in accordance with directions.

IN THE EVENING

Step 1: Start with Simply Clean Gel Cleanser, which efficiently removes waterproof makeup and excess oil to leave skin feeling clean and primed for the next step in your skin care routine. Formulated with sulfonic acid (HEPES), glycerin, extracts of chamomile and aloe, orange oil, and citric acid, to gently exfoliate uneven or rough skin. Suitable for normal, oily, or combination skin.

Step 2: Next, apply HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This triple action corrective serum combines pure hyaluronic acid with botanical extracts and Proxylane™ to help reduce the visible signs of ageing, including crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. It supplements the skin's natural hyaluronic acid production to leave you with firmer-looking and hydrated skin.

Step 3: As a last step, apply SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 anti-ageing moisturiser cream once more.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

To discover the ideal SkinCeuticals products for your own skin type and get advice about how to use them, use our online Routine Finder, or visit one of the SkinCeuticals Authorised Australian clinic locations.