Ceramides

Ceramides are fatty lipids that are naturally occurring in our skin and are important for skin barrier function. They’re part of the extracellular matrix that helps keep skin hydrated and keep it looking plump & firm. Ceramides are the most abundant fatty lipid making up about 50% of the extracellular matrix, cholesterol (another fatty lipid) makes up about 25% and fatty acids are about 15%. In human skin there are many different ceramides but they diminish as we age causing skin to lose hydration & plumpness. 

The 3 main ceramides that are commonly used in skincare along with cholesterol in a 3:1 ratio are ceramide EOP, ceramide AP, and ceramide NP and these are the ceramides and the ratio used in our ceramide blend.

In multiple studies, ceramide‐containing formulations were shown to reduce transepidermal water loss, improve stratum corneum structure, and increase stratum corneum lipid content. 

Clinical research indicates that in elderly individuals, topical use of ceramide‐containing formulations of sufficiently high concentration improved hydration and the barrier function of the stratum corneum.

Sources:

The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2014

Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin. American journal of clinical dermatology 2005

Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function‐improving capabilities of ceramide‐containing formulations: A qualitative review. Journal of Dermatology 2021

The effect of an emollient containing urea, ceramide NP, and lactate on skin barrier structure and function in older people with dry skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016