Adult skin care routines have taken off over the last few years, with some people doing elaborate ten- or fifteen-step skin care routines. Many of us use cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, creams, masks, and more in order to look radiant, glowy, and healthy. As we’ve started focusing more on our skin health, we are becoming more and more aware of the ingredients we’re putting on our skin. Some common ingredients people use nowadays are vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane, AHAs and BHAs, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Although many people have heard of ceramides, they typically don't truly understand what ceramides are and why they're so important. So let’s dive into it!
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are a type of fatty acid called lipids, which don’t dissolve in water. Ceramides are naturally found in skin cells and make up about 50% of the outer layer of skin. Ceramides are primarily used in skin care to minimize irritation and restore moisture.
How do ceramides support skin health?
Ceramides (specifically ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II) protect the skin by helping create a barrier to prevent permeability, sealing in moisture and keeping impurities out. Ceramides can help minimize irritation and dryness, locking in moisture to keep skin feeling soft and nourished. In adults, ceramides may have anti-aging benefits, since moisturization can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why are ceramides so important for babies’ skin?
While ceramides are important for the skin health of people of all ages, they’re especially important for babies. In utero, babies’ skin is protected by the vernix caseosa, which is rich in ceramides. By their first bath, the vernix washes away, leaving babies’ skin susceptible to irritation and dryness. Reintroducing ceramides via skin care products is a great way to help maintain and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Babies have delicate skin that continues to develop for two to four years after birth, so it’s essential to keep their skin hydrated and protected. Daily use of skin care products that contain ceramides may help prevent future skin issues.
CeraVe
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe offers a complete line of adult and baby skin care products that contain three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. CeraVe Baby products are developed with pediatric dermatologists and formulated specifically to care for babies' skin.
