The #1 Ingredient You Probably Aren't Using For Your Dry Skin, But Should

Having dry skin can be the absolute worst. Not only does it make you want to hide your skin from the public, it can also be difficult to address. In some cases, you may see little to no improvement to the texture of your skin no matter how much cream or lotion you apply.

Well, we have a secret for you: you’re probably missing out on an incredibly hydrating skin care ingredient. If you have dry and flaky skin, then you should try incorporating ceramides into your routine. But first: What exactly are ceramides? 

WHAT ARE CERAMIDES?

“Ceramides are a family of waxy lipids that bind the cells that make up the superficial layer of the skin called the stratum corneum,” says plastic surgeon, Skincare.com consultant, and SkinCeuticals ambassador Dr. Peter Schmid. To put it in simpler terms, ceramides are long chains of skin lipids that are part of the skin's outer layers. As such, ceramides are crucial for helping to maintain and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. Remember: Your skin’s moisture barrier acts as a security blanket for your skin, functioning to protect skin from potential aggressors and contaminants while keeping it hydrated and moisturized.

Dr. Schmid notes that, currently, there are nine unique ceramides that have been identified. He also explained that each of them serve to bond, plump and hydrate the skin while acting as a natural protective barrier that shields the skin from foreign particles, environmental pollutants, bacteria and dehydration. If ceramide levels become depleted or if the skin’s moisture barrier becomes compromised, our skin can fall into trouble. When this occurs, skin may have a harder time combatting breakouts, dryness, and even the onset of wrinkles.

So, what exactly can cause ceramide levels to plummet? Natural aging, dry air, pollution, and other environmental aggressors can cause our ceramide levels to drop dramatically. To help boost your ceramide levels when your skin is exposed to harsh environmental factors, consider products. Slathering your skin with a product formulated with ceramides may help ensure that water and hydration stay on skin’s surface and in turn help your skin defend against environmental irritants and pollutants.

WHERE TO FIND CERAMIDES IN SKIN CARE 

If you’re sick of dry, cracking skin raining on your good-skin-day parade, give a product formulated with ceramides a chance to help replenish and hydrate your skin back to its former glory. Luckily, ceramides can be found in a wide range of skin care creams and lotions. Below, we share two SkinCeuticals products formulated with ceramides.   

SKINCEUTICALS TRIPLE LIPID RESTORE 2:4:2

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is formulated with a maximized concentration of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids, an optimized lipid ratio for natural barrier restoration. This potent emollient also helps refill surface lipids and support skin’s natural self-repair while resulting in a more youthful radiance.

Want to learn more about the benefits of this widely-popular product? Check out our review of Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 here! 

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $125 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS REPLENISHING CLEANSER

The SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser is another product that’s formulated with ceramides. This dual-action cleanser contains a ceramide complex that assists in replenishing your skin while cleansing it of any dirt and oil. The formula foams to effectively clean without stripping your skin of essential moisture, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and replenished.

SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser, $34.00 MSRP