Ceramide is a naturally occurring lipid in the skin. Ceramide forms a waterproof barrier on the surface of the skin. They not only help the skin to lock in moisture, but also promote the self-repair of the skin barrier and regulate skin cells.
The skin of newborn babies is often covered with a waxy substance. This substance is called fetal fat and is mainly composed of ceramide, which prevents the loss of skin moisture. The secretion of ceramide in the skin decreases with age, which can cause dry skin, wrinkles, and some skin inflammation.
Currently, 9 naturally occurring ceramides have been discovered. In addition, there are phytoceramides, psuedoceramides, and synthetic ceramides.
- Ceramide: a naturally occurring lipid wax found in the skin. Consists of a long chain of sphingosine bases and a fatty acid.
- Phytoceramides: its sphingosine base is commonly found in yeast, plants, and some mammalian cell tissues.
- Psuedoceramides: also a kind of lipid, similar in properties to ceramide but different in structure. For example, Ceramide E and Arachamide MEA are both psuedoceramides. Psuedoceramides are usually artificially synthesized, but there may also be naturally occurring forms.
- Synthetic ceramides: synthesize naturally occurring ceramide.
Efficacy mechanism
The most well-known function of ceramide is to form a waterproof barrier on the skin. Moreover, it can strengthen the barrier effect of ceramide in combination with other lipids in a certain proportion.
The best ratio is 50% ceramide, 25% cholesterol, and 15% free fatty acids. This transparent layered structure mixture has a unique moisturizing function. Therefore, there is a mechanism that can explain the maintenance effect of ceramide.
Absorptive capacity
Ceramide is the main component of lipids in the stratum corneum of the skin. It can help repair the skin barrier and make the skin soft and shiny. However, ceramide gradually decreases with age, and the skin will become dull and dry without it.
Sufficient ceramide in the skin can resist external stimulation, but if it is absent, the skin lost its natural protective effect and has no defense against all physical and biological damages from the outside world. For example, the skin is more susceptible to sunburn when exposed to the sun, and redness is likely to occur when the weather becomes cold.
Ceramide can help thicken the stratum corneum, enhance the tolerance of the entire skin, protect against the intrusion of harmful substances from the outside world, avoid sensitivity, and repair red blood streaks. Ceramide also has a very good anti-aging, auxiliary whitening and anti-oxidant effect.