Ceramides are not a trend to cycle in and out. They are part of what the barrier is physically made of, which is why they belong in a routine permanently.
Ceramides are one of those ingredients I think everyone should understand, because they are literally part of your skin's natural barrier.
What ceramides actually do
Think of them as part of the mortar holding the skin cells together. When your barrier is compromised, you lose water more easily and you become more susceptible to irritation and environmental stress.
Skin cells are the bricks. Ceramides are part of the mortar. Lose the mortar and the wall stops holding water.
Why they are not a trend
I love ceramides because they are not a trendy ingredient you need to cycle in and out. They are something I want to see consistently in a well formulated routine, particularly if you are using retinoids, exfoliating acids, or having professional treatments.
My ceramide picks
There are a lot of good ceramide products available. These are the ones I reach for, and what each one is actually best at.
Dry and retinoid treated skin
Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish
One of my favorites for dry, reactive or retinoid treated skin. Ceramides with omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids to replenish the lipids that make up the barrier, with more substantial nourishment than a standard cream.
Back to basics
SOS Recovery Cream
A simple option for sensitive or compromised skin. Ceramide NP with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe and support the barrier. I love this when someone needs to take the routine right back to basics.
Barrier plus regeneration
Regeneration Booster®
The choice when you want barrier support and also want to address regeneration and the signs of aging. Ceramides with growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10 and antioxidants.
Lightweight daily wear
Hydration Boosting Cream
For anyone who wants barrier support without a rich cream. Multiple ceramides with cholesterol and botanical lipids, in a texture light enough for daily wear.
Dry, depleted and mature skin
Trio Luxe Moisture Treatment
Ceramides, cholesterol and essential fatty acids together, which is the combination the lipid barrier actually uses. Substantial moisture for skin that has been depleted.
Barrier, plainly
Hyvia® Crème
A straightforward barrier focused moisturizer with ceramide NP, phytosterols and other lipid supporting ingredients. The right answer when the goal is simply to strengthen the barrier and nothing else.
Not just for the face
ÂN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Treatment
Ceramides are not only for your face. Five skin identical ceramides with cholesterol and squalane to support the lip barrier and hold moisture. It gives you the treatment benefits of a balm and still feels like a beautiful lip product.
Whichever one suits your skin, the point is consistency. Ceramides are replacing something the barrier loses every day, so they work best when they are simply part of the routine rather than something you reach for once the damage is done.
In the chair
Not sure which texture your skin needs
The right ceramide product depends on how much lipid your skin has lost and what else is in your routine. Our estheticians will work it out with you at the Beverly Hills studio, or on a virtual consultation if you are not local.
