What is ceramides and how do they work?
- Womenscorner Desk
- June 17, 2020
"Ceramides are a type of fat, or lipid, that contribute to the 'mortar' that holds skin cells in the epidermis together," says Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. "
Ceramides, along with cholesterol and free fatty acids, make up the lipids in the top layer of skin, the stratum corneum." Translation: Your body makes 'em naturally to keep your skin healthy. "Ceramides help to keep skin hydrated by sealing in moisture [which] can help the skin appear smooth and plump and even out fine lines," says Dr. Camp.
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"Think of them like grout between your skin cell tiles," illustrates Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Like grout keeps tiles in place and structured, ceramides "help form a waterproof seal on the surface of the skin, preventing loss of hydration, maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and preventing environmental irritation."
