4 Ceramide Benefits to Achieve Healthier Skin

We hear and read about it all the time, but it’s more than just a fancy skincare buzzword. Ceramide benefits are real and essential. In the body, ceramides are fats or lipids that compose around 40% of the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. They’re like the glue that holds the skin together, keeping the skin barrier intact, sealing in moisture, and preventing the entry of germs. Here’s why you need them in your skin care, especially as you age.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that dry skin and irritation decrease the effectiveness of acne treatments. Moreover, most acne treatments contribute to this by thinning the skin barrier, which keeps the skin from healing.

According to the study, complementing acne therapy with moisturizers that contain ceramides enhance adherence to treatments. Ceramides help improve the condition of acne-prone skin by reducing irritation and inflammation.

The first stage of eczema is skin barrier dysfunction, which allows allergens and irritants to enter and further weaken it. This results in dryness, discomfort, flaking, thickening of the skin, and varying degrees of itching.

Thankfully, one of the most immediate ceramide benefits is relief from symptoms of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, and general itchiness in the skin. According to the National Eczema Association, ceramides form a protective layer to lock in moisture and keep impurities out. This helps eczema heal and makes the skin more resilient.

Even healthy skin needs protection from external aggressors like bacteria, fungi, and other elements that can be damaging. For example, frequent exposure to harsh household cleaners and detergents — corrosive agents — can weaken the skin barrier, too.

Regular application of moisturizers with ceramides strengthens the skin cells and the skin barrier. It does this by locking moisture, making it resistant to aggressors, and helping it heal faster in case of irritation.

Simply put, the signs of aging are more obvious on dry skin. Ever wonder why people with oily skin don’t develop wrinkles early? It's because oils keep skin moist and smooth. All skin types naturally have natural ceramides in the epidermis; however, these naturally decrease as we age. This starts around the age of 30, which is also the age when we start showing signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Whatever your skin type, using ceramide-rich moisturizers can help hold back the years and keep your skin looking smooth and fresh. Protect your skin during the day with POND's Age Miracle Anti-Aging Day Cream, which has SPF, ceramides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. In the evening night, slather on POND's Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream, which renews the skin with 15x retinol-C and keeps it moisturized and strong with ceramides.

Ceramide benefits can help you achieve healthier skin, whatever your skin type, whether you have existing skin conditions like eczema or not. Check your favorite products and see which ones have them!