If you’re looking for a quick but thorough understanding of ceramides and how ceramides help repair skin barrier, you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you’re wondering if they suit your skin type, when to use them, or what benefits they actually bring—this guide covers it all. Spoiler: ceramides happen to be one of my all-time favorite skincare ingredients.
Ceramides are naturally found in the skin and play a role in maintaining a strong and healthy skin barrier—if they’re present in the right amount. They help lock in moisture, and keep your skin protected. In short, they’re a big deal. And yes, we’re absolutely going to talk about why.
What does ceramide do for skin?
If we’re diving into the science, ceramides are lipids—basically fats—that are naturally present in our skin, making up about 50% of the outer layer. When your skin has enough ceramides, it stays hydrated and plump. But when ceramide levels drop (which can happen for a number of reasons, which we’ll get into later), the skin barrier weakens. The result? Dryness, sensitivity, and irritation—even from gentle products.
Low ceramide levels lead to a weakened skin barrier—after all, ceramides are what actually make up the skin barrier. So, it’s kind of a no-brainer. But what causes these low ceramide levels in the first place?
- Aging
- Over exfoliating
- Retinol
- Skin Conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Cold weather, low humidity
Aging
These are the five main factors I want to highlight, as they contribute the most to the loss of ceramides. First off is aging. It’s a natural part of life—just like collagen, ceramide production declines as we age. The best approach to fight this natural loss of ceramides is to incorporate ceramide-based products into your skincare routine early on. That way, you’re supporting your skin’s barrier before the effects of aging take a bigger toll.
Over exfoliation
I’ve been there—guilty of over-exfoliating. Especially when I was using retinoids and started noticing dry patches and flaking, I’d get tempted to grab an exfoliating pad and swipe it all over my face. But here’s the thing: over-exfoliation can seriously disrupt your skin barrier. It strips away the outermost layer of the skin, which happens to be where our precious ceramides live. And when those are gone? The barrier is compromised. My advice: keep exfoliation to just twice a week, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Retinol
Retinol itself doesn’t directly deplete ceramides—but using it too often, especially on beginner or sensitive skin, can definitely take a toll on your skin barrier. And once that barrier is compromised, your ceramide levels can take a hit as a result. Personally, if I notice my skin barrier is feeling a little off from retinoid use, I either take a break or dial it way down. I like using the sandwich method—layering retinol between two layers of moisturizer—to cushion the impact and keep my skin barrier happy.
Skin conditions
Eczema and psoriasis are skin conditions where the barrier is compromised and the skin becomes extremely dry, inflamed, and sensitive. These aren’t just cases of everyday dryness—they’re medical conditions, and it’s always best to consult a dermatologist if you’re dealing with them.
That said, there are plenty of dermatologist-approved moisturizers formulated with ceramides that do a great job at supporting the skin barrier and providing some much-needed relief.
Cold weather, low humidity
In dry, cold weather, the air holds less humidity—which basically means it pulls moisture straight from your skin. On the flip side, in hot and humid conditions, you’re sweating more and probably cleansing your face more often, both of which can strip away your skin’s natural lipids—ceramides included. So whether it’s winter dryness or summer sweat, both scenarios are a call for a good ceramide-infused product to help keep your barrier balanced and protected.
Are ceramides safe for all skin types?
Ceramides are actually great for all skin types. They help keep the skin barrier intact and functioning properly—something everyone can benefit from. That said, dry or sensitive skin types especially need ceramides in their routine, since they typically lack enough natural lipids to keep the barrier strong. If that sounds like your skin, I’d recommend reaching for a rich, ceramide-infused cream.
But that doesn’t mean oily skin types should skip out. While oily skin usually has a healthier lipid balance and is often on the safer side when it comes to barrier damage, ceramides still offer hydration and barrier support. The key is to go for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores.
My night time routine of ceramides
As for my personal routine? I don’t go a day without ceramides. My skin is super dry and sensitive, so they’re a non-negotiable—especially at night. I use a thick, rich ceramide cream in my evening skincare routine when my skin can soak it all in without feeling greasy. It just doesn’t sit well under sunscreen or makeup during the day, especially in the summer. So for me, ceramides are strictly a nighttime ritual—and my skin honestly loves me for it.
In the evening, after my cleansing routine, I go in with my toners and serums, then follow up with a thick layer of a ceramide-infused moisturizer. And honestly? Even on nights when I’m using a different moisturizer that doesn’t contain ceramides, I still top it off with my ceramide cream—so yes, that’s two moisturizers.
It might sound like a lot, but for someone with extremely dry skin like mine, it’s exactly what works. That said, I also stay consistent with exfoliation—just twice a week—to keep my skin smooth and receptive to hydration. This combo has been a game-changer, especially during those times when my skin feels dry and irritated (which, let’s be real, often happens with retinoids).
Final takeaway
For me, ceramides are like my skin’s BFF. Some skincare creams even contain ceramides that mimic the skin’s natural lipids, making them a perfect match for keeping your barrier intact. Ceramides can be used by every skin type, but if you have dry or sensitive skin and haven’t included them in your routine yet, consider this your sign to start.
Oily skin types can still benefit, but as mentioned, it’s best to go for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. And if your skin barrier has been damaged from over-exfoliating or using too much retinoid, ceramides can really help repair the damage. My advice? Take a step back from exfoliation and retinoids for a bit while you focus on rebuilding that barrier with ceramides.