What is ceramide?

Ceramide, a special type of oily wax, actually the word ceramide comes from the Latin word cera, which means wax.

Ceramide is a component that can be synthesized by the skin itself and is the main component of the intercellular matrix of the stratum corneum, so it forms a waterproof natural barrier on the skin and is also an important signaling factor in the process of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Ceramides are composed of neurosphingosine groups and fatty acids, which are both hydrophilic and lipophilic, thus forming a double-layer lipid barrier.

Ceramides in the skin become less available with age (much like collagen), resulting in a disruption of the barrier structure and a decrease in barrier capacity.

Effect of ceramides on the skin.

Repairing the skin barrier. Ceramides are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier by locking in water while holding cells together tightly, preventing water as well as nutrient loss internally and protecting against bacterial and microbial attack externally.

Reduces water loss. Ceramide is able to unite cells tightly together and has a large number of hydrophilic groups that have a strong affinity for water, making it a very efficient moisturizer. Able to prevent water and electrolyte loss, studies have shown that even supplementation with only a single ingredient of ceramide is effective in reducing epidermal water loss.

Do I need to build up tolerance and can everyone use it?

There is no need to build up tolerance, ceramides are basically non-comedogenic and non-irritating. It can be used by almost everyone, regardless of age, especially for dry and barrier-damaged skin. As we age, ceramides are lost from the skin and need to be replenished externally to maintain healthy skin.