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Do you find yourself applying more moisturizers on your face a few hours after having finished your skincare routine?
The first step would be switching to creams that provide more hydration. Following this will come an addition of hydrating serums and even facial oils.
However, you still find that your skin gets tight after cleansing, scaly at the nose area, or dry in the afternoon. It would seem reasonable to think that your skin is not getting enough moisture. However, there is something that dermatologists have known for years.
Sometimes the issue is not your skin's lack of moisture. Your skin can't retain the moisture you provide it with. Imagine your skin as a water bottle. If there is a crack in the bottle, adding more water will not fix anything. The water will leak out of it anyway.
This is how your skin works.
In case if the skin barrier is healthy, it retains moisture inside and protects the skin from irritants. If it's compromised, more moisture will escape from your skin, making it dry, rough, and sensitive no matter how many products you use.
And this is why more scientists have shown growing interest in ceramosides, a next-generation of skin barrier nutrients aimed at nourishing the skin from inside out.
Are they really any different from those ceramides found in your favorite moisturizer? Can an oral nutrient really hydrate your skin?
Let's find out.
What Are Ceramosides?
If you have been looking for skincare ingredients for glowing skin, chances are you may have encountered the words ceramides and ceramosides. Both words are very similar; thus, a majority of people believe they are the same thing.
They are related, but they are not the same.
Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the body and more specifically in the skin. They make up almost half of all lipids that can be found in the epidermis of the skin. They act as a glue that holds together skin cells to form a barrier protecting against water loss.
Ceramosides, however, are patented plant-derived ceramides used in oral supplements. They are primarily made from wheat and are aimed at supporting healthy levels of ceramides within the body.
The main difference between the two can be put down as follows:
- Ceramides are used on the skin in the form of creams and lotions.
- Ceramosides are taken orally in the form of ceramide supplements.
Both focus on strengthening the skin barrier, but they take different routes to get there.
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About the Skin Barrier?
About a decade back, discussions around skin care revolved around terms such as collagen, anti-aging creams and pigmentation.
However, today, discussion surrounding dermatology revolves around skin barrier.
How come?
This is because scientists have found out that most problems experienced by individuals with skin issues actually have something in common; and that is the barrier is weakened.
Whether one is talking of dry skin, irritated skin or sensitive skin, there is normally an underlying problem that involves the skin barrier not functioning as it should.
The skin barrier is essentially the first point of call when it comes to skin protection.
Its role includes:
- Holding on to moisture within the skin
- Protection from pollution and allergens
- Decrease irritations
- Minimizing water loss
- Achieving healthier skin
When this barrier weakens, even expensive skincare products may struggle to deliver lasting results.
The Surprising Ways We Damage Our Skin Barrier Every Day
Another major misconception is the belief that only individuals with dry skin have impaired barrier function.
On the contrary, there are a number of regular routines that contribute to damage to this vital layer without us realizing it.
Too aggressive cleansing
The "squeaky clean" sensation after cleansing the face does not necessarily mean that everything is fine with the skin.
Aggressive cleansers may deprive the surface of its lipids needed to keep moisture in.
Too many actives
Retinoids, acids for exfoliation, scrubs can be useful when applied properly.
But too many active substances may gradually affect the barrier function and make skin more susceptible to irritations.
Exposure to the sun
Most people consider the sun as a source of tanning or hyperpigmentation.
What they forget is the damaging effect UV rays have on ceramides and other lipids responsible for proper barrier formation.
Indoor environment and air conditioning
A great part of our lives takes place in air-conditioned offices, shopping centers or cars.
Low humidity removes moisture from the skin making its transepidermal water loss, or TEWL, higher.
Age-related changes
Here's something you may not know about your skin.
The production of ceramides slows down with aging.
This gradual decline is one reason skin often becomes drier after the age of 30 or 40, even if you've never experienced dryness before.
So, Where Do Ceramosides Fit In?
Whereas moisturisers assist in decreasing water loss on the surface, ceramosides are meant to help the natural skin barrier by adding plant ceramides which become incorporated into the normal metabolism of skin lipids.
Once taken inside the body, these lipids are digested, absorbed and then incorporated into the ceramide pool of the skin through biological means.
And that is why changes are not seen immediately.
While a moisturiser would give instant results, ceramide supplements taken orally would take at least a few weeks to show any effect on the skin's hydration levels.
Ceramosides Benefits Go Beyond Softer Skin
When most people consider ceramosides' benefits, hydration comes to mind first.
This is definitely a major benefit, but not the only one.
A healthy barrier system impacts all aspects of skin condition.
According to scientific studies, enhancement of barrier function can promote:
- Skin hydration
- Decrease in skin dryness
- Skin smoothness
- Skin softness
- Skin elasticity
- Lessening of tightness after washing
Why?
Natural water loss is part and parcel of a regular skin function.
If the barrier system is operating correctly, the water loss occurs in a limited way.
In case of skin barrier impairment, water loss is quicker than usual, making your skin dry no matter how much moisturizer you use.
Enhancement of skin barrier prevents unnecessary water loss and makes skin comfortable for a longer period of time.
Can Skin Hydration Really Improve From Within?
Perhaps, it is one of the most significant concerns regarding skin barrier support supplements. Indeed, how can the substance consumed orally affect the skin?
Well, it is possible due to the continuous renewal processes that take place in the skin.
Skin is not separated from the body and receives nutrients delivered to the bloodstream every day to construct new cells, proteins, lipids, and other structures.
The research into the oral administration of ceramides indicates that such supplements might enhance the skin renewal process due to the increase of lipid content needed for the maintenance of the skin barrier.(1)
There are several clinical studies in humans, in which the use of the supplementation led to better hydration of the skin after about 4 to 12 weeks of its consumption.(2)
However, it does not mean that ceramosides should be regarded as an alternative to moisturizers. Actually, it seems like they assist moisturizers in hydrating the skin from inside whereas moisturizers decrease the evaporation of moisture from outside.
Imagine the wall where there are two ways of protecting it – from the outside and from the inside.
Ceramosides vs Collagen vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which One Does Your Skin Actually Need?
If you've ever been searching for skincare supplements, there's a big chance you've come across collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramosides in the same breath.
It's tempting to think that they all do the same thing.
That is not true.
All three ingredients have different effects on the skin, and recognizing these differences will allow you to choose an appropriate supplement depending on the condition of your skin.
Ceramosides work on the skin barrier
Ceramosides are great at reinforcing the outer skin layer. With a healthy barrier, moisture retention is better, and you'll have hydrated, soft skin.
Collagen works on skin structure
Collagen is the protein that provides the firmness and elasticity of skin. The lack of collagen results in aged-looking skin and the appearance of fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid attracts water
The action of hyaluronic acid resembles a sponge – it absorbs water and retains moisture in the skin, thus making skin more plump and smooth. However, a damaged skin barrier may cause some of the moisture to leak out.
Here's the catch:
- Ceramosides help retain moisture.
- Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture.
- Collagen supports skin structure.
Rather than replacing one another, these ingredients perform complementary roles.
Who Can Benefit Most from Ceramosides?
Not everyone has dry skin because of the same cause.
In some cases, the skin may produce less sebum, while in others, the skin becomes dry due to a compromised skin barrier.
According to research, ceramosides could help those people who:
- Have dry skin even after applying moisturizers
- Feel tightening after cleansing
- Have mature skin with decreased elasticity
- Spend more time in air-conditioned surroundings
- Regularly use retinoids or acidic exfoliation products
- Have sensitive and irritated skin
- Would like to enhance skin hydration from inside
Since the production of ceramides declines with age, most adults start observing the skin barrier problems in their 30s and 40s.
Can Ceramosides Help Sensitive Skin?
An interesting field of research could be the interconnection between ceramides and skin sensitivity.
In case of weakened skin barrier, irritating substances can pass through easier. As a result, there might be redness, pain, or even burning sensation after application of skin care products.
However, despite ceramosides do not serve as treatment for skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis, skin barrier support can help increase resistance of skin and shows improvement in eczema or psoriasis.
This fact explains why dermatologists advise to start repairing skin barrier before using active substances.
A good skin barrier usually reacts better on skin care products than a weakened one.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
One of the common misconceptions about the use of ceramides is that they function like moisturizers.
That is not true. Moisturizers hydrate your skin instantaneously.
However, ceramosides take effect through the natural renewal process of the skin, which requires some time.
It has been observed in most of the clinical trials conducted on ceramides that the desired results have taken 8 to 12 weeks to show up.
Time frame can differ based on different variables, such as:
- Age
- Skin hydration levels
- Nutritional value
- Exposure to sun rays
- Lifestyle choices
- Supplementation consistency
Patience is required. Healthy skin develops over time.
Choosing Skin Barrier Supplements: What Should You Look For?
As a result of the popularity of skin barrier supplements, there has been an emergence of several products in the market. However, not all formulas are supported by evidence.
When you choose a skin supplement, here are some important questions to ask yourself.
Does it have clinically tested ingredients?
Try to find formulas that contain clinically proven ingredients instead of those that are trendy.
Are there complementary nutrients included?
Good skin needs more than one nutrient to maintain its health.
Several dermatologist-tested products feature ceramosides with:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Antioxidants from plants
These nutrients use several methods to promote skin health.
Is the brand being reasonable with its claims?
Stay wary of products that promise:
- Quick hydration
- Transformed skin forever
- Instant results in just a few days
- A miracle solution to your dry skin
Healthy skin is built through consistent nutrition, skincare, and lifestyle habits.
Are Ceramosides Worth Trying?
In case your skin problem is periodic dryness that gets better with the use of a moisturizer, using ceramosides might not be required.
However, in case your skin remains dry even after following a regular skincare regimen, or in case you wish to obtain nutrition to maintain good barrier health, then the use of ceramosides should be considered.
Present studies show that the ingestion of ceramide supplements is effective in maintaining skin moisture and barrier health, (3) but only when done regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.
You need to consider them as nutritional supplements instead of a substitute for skincare.
Conclusion
Skin care used to be all about hydrating the skin externally for many years.
Modern science now acknowledges the need to take care of the skin barrier, too.
Ceramosides are one of those things that can help with that.
What makes ceramosides different from regular moisturizers is the ability to provide internal support to the skin barrier through maintaining optimal ceramides levels. This way, ceramosides will be able to hydrate the skin, prevent dry patches, and provide smoother-looking skin.
When it comes to skin glow products, don't confuse ceramosides for collagen or hyaluronic acid. Although each of these three plays a certain role, ceramosides help to build up the skin barrier, collagen adds to the skin's firmness, and hyaluronic acid helps to draw moisture into the skin.
Those who suffer from chronic dry skin or want to take care of their skin barrier should consider well-formulated skin barrier supplements with scientifically studied ceramosides. If you're looking for a doctor-formulated skin supplement, choose Health etc Skin Health Gummy that combines Ceramosides® with other evidence-backed glowing skin ingredients, as these nutrients often work together to support healthy, hydrated skin.
