Ceramides are a class of lipids that play a central role in the skin's protective barrier and health. Together with other lipids, such as fatty acids and cholesterol, they form the so-called multilamellar structure of the uppermost skin layer, the stratum corneum. This barrier protects the skin from moisture loss, environmental pollutants and microbial attacks. But what exactly are ceramides and what role do they play in our skin care?

Ceramides belong to the sphingolipid family and consist of a sphingosine base linked to various fatty acids. Due to their structural diversity, there are numerous types of ceramides, including ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide AS and others. These ceramides each perform specific functions in the skin, particularly in strengthening and stabilizing the skin's protective barrier.

The effect of ceramides on the skin is essential: they promote the formation of a strong skin barrier, bind moisture and protect the skin from external influences. Ceramides make up over 50 % of the skin's lipid structure and are essential for the function of the skin barrier. They act like a "mortar" that holds the cells of the skin (corneocytes) together. These structural properties are crucial for the skin's barrier function and its ability to retain moisture. A lack of ceramides can lead to skin diseases under certain circumstances. Skin care products containing ceramides can help to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain skin health.

1. protection of the skin barrier

Thanks to their dense arrangement in the lipid lamellae, ceramides help to protect the skin from the penetration of harmful substances, microorganisms and allergens. Their organized structure also reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and thus prevents the skin from drying out.

2. regulation of moisture

The long chains of saturated fatty acids in ceramides bind water and make the skin feel supple. A lack of ceramides can lead to dry, brittle skin and impaired barrier function.

3. role in skin diseases

Studies show that impaired ceramide production or composition can be linked to skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. In atopic dermatitis, for example, the ceramide content of the skin is often significantly reduced, which leads to a weakened skin barrier and can increase susceptibility to inflammation.

4. promotion of regeneration

Ceramides play a central role in the differentiation of skin cells (keratinocytes) and the formation of the skin barrier. They regulate cell processes such as natural cell death (apoptosis) and cell division (proliferation) and help the skin to repair damage.

5 Ceramides and their specific functions

Certain ceramides have specific tasks. Ceramides NP (N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine) ensure a particularly dense lipid structure, while ceramides EOP (esterified ω-hydroxy ceramides) play a decisive role in the stability of the barrier by forming proteins such as involucrin.

6. well aging effect

With the ability to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, ceramides can also counteract the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Well-hydrated skin appears plumper and healthier.

Ceramides are more than just lipids; they are active regulators of skin health. They strengthen the barrier, promote moisture retention and can be used specifically in skin care to regenerate and protect dry or damaged skin. Especially for sensitive, irritated or ageing skin, products with ceramides are an effective means of supporting the skin's natural functions.

Ceramides are essential lipids that not only strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, but also actively contribute to the regeneration and protection of the skin. They are particularly effective for dry, sensitive or damaged skin, as they support the skin's natural functions. However, with increasing age and due to external influences such as UV radiation, cold or aggressive cleansing products, the ceramide content of the skin decreases. This weakens the barrier and can lead to dryness, sensitivity or irritation. Facial creams with ceramides, such as Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream, can specifically compensate for this loss and restore the skin's balance.

Ceramides are frequently used in modern skin care as they can strengthen the skin barrier and make the skin feel supple. They have proven particularly effective:

• Ceramide creams: Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types that need support with barrier function.
• Products with a ceramide complex: The human skin barrier consists of a mixture of different ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. A ceramide complex with several ceramides better mimics this natural composition and can therefore support the skin's barrier function more effectively.
• Lip care with ceramides: Protects the sensitive skin of the lips, strengthens the barrier and moisturizes - ideal for dry or rough conditions.

Studies show that people with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis often have a disturbed lipid barrier that is associated with a lack of ceramides. In such cases, products with a balanced ceramide content can strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier and alleviate symptoms such as dryness or redness.

Ceramides are essential for resilient skin. They form the backbone of the skin's protective barrier and play a key role in protecting the skin from external influences. Whether as part of a cream, serum or lip care, ceramides are an effective solution for numerous skin needs.

Incidentally, products containing ceramides can be combined with many other products within the routine and there are no restrictions on the frequency of application. Ceramides - a must-have for your skin barrier and a building block of an optimal skincare routine for every skin type!