Protected skin and a strong skin barrier thanks to ceramides

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids. They are fats or fatty acids that are a natural component of the outer layer of skin. Due to their chemical structure, they possess a water-loving (hydrophilic) and a lipid-loving (lipophilic) part, which link together to form, among other things, a lipid bilayer. Along with aqueous elements, ceramides are an integral part of the skin barrier in the stratum corneum. In fact, nine different types of ceramides are found in the stratum corneum and the skin barrier. Even beyond this, ceramides boast impressive statistics; they make up 60% of the stratum corneum. Thus, the majority of the upper layer of skin consists of ceramides.

What do ceramides do for the skin?

Ceramides, like collagen and elastin, are essential for the structure of the skin. Their most important function is to strengthen the skin barrier, thus keeping the skin healthy and functional.

Ceramides have a very strong protective function for our skin. They reduce transepidermal water loss and thus help to retain moisture in the skin. In addition, they protect us from many external influences, irritants, and damage.

By locking in moisture and preventing it from diffusing through the skin barrier, ceramides also make their own unique contribution to slowing down aging. Provided the skin is adequately supplied with moisturizers, ceramides help keep the skin well-hydrated and prevent the formation of typical dryness lines. Good hydration allows the skin to maintain a plump and youthful appearance for longer. Just like other naturally occurring skin substances such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the production of ceramides decreases with age. Therefore, replenishing them through skincare is definitely beneficial – not only for a youthful appearance, of course, but also for the sake of overall skin health.

Furthermore, ceramides promote cell renewal and regenerate the skin. This is also a valuable effect for slow aging. Ceramides also ensure a soft and supple skin feel.

What types of ceramides are there?

As we mentioned in the introduction, nine different ceramides are found in the skin. These have the following names:

• Ceramide 1 (EOS)
• Ceramide 2 (NS)
• Ceramide 3 (NP)
• Ceramide 4 (EOH)
• Ceramide 5 (AS)
• Ceramide 6 (AP)
• Ceramide 7 (AH)
• Ceramide 8 (NH)
• Ceramide 9 (EOP)

The abbreviations in parentheses represent the complex chemical names of the substances. Since the short forms are not only much shorter but also significantly easier to pronounce, naming them based on the abbreviation or the number of the ceramide type has become standard practice. In INCI lists, the substances are listed as "Ceramide" followed by the respective abbreviation. Ceramide 3, which is particularly common both in the skin itself and in skincare products, would therefore be listed there as "Ceramide NP." This type is very well tolerated by the skin and is therefore frequently used in formulations. Often, several ceramides are combined in the same product, because, just as with peptides, it is advantageous to complement different ceramides.

Extraction of ceramides

Ceramides can be derived from animal, plant, or synthetic sources. Unfortunately, plant-derived ceramides are less effective than the other two types. Synthetically produced ceramides are, of course, perfectly suited for vegan skincare. Similar to peptides, synthetically produced ceramides are often slightly modified for skincare to achieve even better results.

Ceramides and their effect on the skin barrier

We've already established above that ceramides are essential for the skin barrier and fulfill a protective function. Now we want to examine this in more detail.

Ceramides are deposited in the outermost layer of skin between the corneocytes. This unique blend of lipids, moisture, and dead skin cells forms the skin barrier. The lipid component of the hydrolipid film seals the skin barrier in both directions; moisture is less likely to escape, and at the same time, viruses, bacteria, germs, and pollutants are prevented from penetrating. Effectively, this retains more water in the skin, and fewer irritants can negatively affect it. Therefore, to maintain healthy skin, it's always beneficial to include ceramides in your skincare routine.

You can tell whether your skin could tolerate more ceramides by the following symptoms:

• dry areas
• itching
• Sheds
• Redness
• Inflammation
• light to pronounced wrinkles

Perhaps some of these symptoms from our article on skin conditions will sound familiar. The skin barrier is a very sophisticated system of the human body, but unfortunately also quite fragile. It can easily become unbalanced, which is why it's always a good idea to have a skincare product containing ceramides on hand to support the skin barrier in such cases. However, it's important to emphasize that ceramides are not the only solution for healthy skin and a strong skin barrier. In our article on the importance of moisturizing, we already explored the other side of the coin besides lipids: moisturizers. Without first applying a hydrating serum, ceramides cannot retain water in the skin, which hydrates, plumps, and restores its balance. Hyaluronic acid is one of the best moisturizers for this purpose.

Who is a skincare product containing ceramides suitable for?

Skincare products containing ceramides are truly suitable for everyone. Ceramides are skin-identical substances, making them extremely well-tolerated and safe for all skin types and conditions. Using skincare products with ceramides does not cause any side effects or negative skin reactions. Different skin types should simply pay attention to the product formulation. Rich textures are recommended for dry skin. Oily skin often finds these textures too heavy, which is why many people with oily skin prefer lighter textures. Normal and combination skin have more freedom in choosing the level of richness.

Because ceramides promote the skin's barrier function, they are particularly beneficial for dehydrated skin that loses a lot of moisture due to a compromised barrier. Similarly, dry skin benefits from ceramides, as it is naturally lacking in oils. Ceramides also work well for dry scalps, which is why they are often added to shampoos. They are also useful in eye care products because they help lock in moisture to the skin around the eyes, thus preventing dryness.

Because ceramides protect the skin from external influences, they are also well-suited for sensitive skin. Furthermore, ceramides are helpful when skin is stressed, irritated, or otherwise compromised. They can also have a beneficial effect on skin prone to allergies. Since mature skin is often accompanied by dehydration and dryness, ceramides are also ideal for older adults. And generally speaking, if you simply want your skin to be a little healthier and more cared for, ceramides are a good choice.

Ceramides in combination with other active ingredients

Ceramides can be combined with all sorts of other active ingredients for various purposes. Unfortunately, ceramides themselves are susceptible to lipid peroxidation caused by free radicals. To protect them, combining them with antioxidants is recommended. Generally, any antioxidant can be used, but niacinamide and vitamin C are particularly well-suited. We especially recommend our Vitamin C 20 Booster , which, in addition to a 20% vitamin C complex, also contains hexylresorcinol, a compound that provides excellent protection against lipid peroxidation.

Since ceramides retain moisture in the skin, they logically combine ideally with moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin therefore go well with ceramides.

In the context of slow aging, other active ingredients with a wrinkle-smoothing effect are suitable partners for ceramides. Amino acids, peptides , and retinol are worth mentioning in this regard.

If the goal is to strengthen the skin barrier, a combination with panthenol and peptides is helpful.

Finally, ceramides – like peptides – are particularly effective in complexes. Therefore, ceramides can always be easily combined with other ceramides.

Our products containing ceramides

You can, of course, also find ceramides in many of our colibri skincare products . The popular Ceramide NP is found in the Calming Moisturizer , the Calming Serum , and the Calming Mask . Five different ceramides are even included in the Hydrating Cream Cleanser , the Barrier Booster , the Vitamin A Serum , the Lip Balm , and our two night creams:Rich Night Moisturizer and Night Cream . Phosphatidylcholine is also contained in the Calming Serum, the Calming Mask, the Vitamin C 20 Booster, and all our current moisturizers (Calming Moisturizer, Rich Care Moisturizer, Rich Night Moisturizer, and Night Cream). This is a phospholipid that stimulates the production of ceramides in the skin.