Advantages of Ceramide Supplements For Hydrated Skin Over Topical Creams

Moisturized, glowing, beautiful skin is not only a sign of beauty but also of health and, of course, youth. On the other hand, as we age, our skin is exposed to various external stressors that contribute to cellular aging and drier, more fragile, easily damaged skin that's less capable of recovery.

Many people try to hydrate their skin using creams, serums, and sheet masks containing hyaluronic acid, mucin, and various herbal extracts and oils. While these products provide a good temporary external effect, they do not address the underlying causes of dryness or protect the skin from within.

Hydrating the skin is possible, but topical creams just scratch the surface when it comes to the biology of hydration in the skin organ and beyond. In this article, we’ll explore ceramides and their crucial role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

Explore the link between ceramides, skin hydration, and youthful-looking skin below.

Rethinking Skin Hydration

Traditional methods of skin hydration often focus on topical products like moisturizers and serums containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

While these products can temporarily relieve dryness and improve the skin's appearance by clogging external pores and keeping moisture inside, they often fail to address the root causes of skin dehydration: things like cellular aging, the loss of internal hydration binders like hyaluronic acid and lipids, and metabolic imbalances.

Skin needs more than just external moisturization to deal with factors like harsh weather and over-cleansing (common in many skincare routines), which can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, worsening dryness.

The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, relies on lipids (fats), especially ceramides, to maintain its barrier function and lock in moisture. Without enough ceramides, skin becomes dry, irritated, and more vulnerable to environmental damage (1). This is where internal solutions, such as ceramide supplements, come into play.

Limitations of Topical "Hydration" Creams

Although topical moisturizing creams have long been an essential part of skincare, they have their drawbacks:

1. Active ingredients in these creams are unable to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Unlike internal moisturizers, such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which work from the inside out to nourish and hydrate the skin at a cellular level, topical creams often remain on the surface, providing only temporary relief and not addressing the underlying cause of dehydration (2).

2. They depend on occlusive ingredients, such as mineral oils or silicones, to create an artificial coating that traps moisture within the skin. While this prevents moisture from evaporating, it can also create a greenhouse effect, leading to clogged pores and a feeling of heavy, oily skin.

3. Creams may contain irritants or allergens that can aggravate skin conditions or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

4. The effectiveness of creams may be reduced by external factors, including humidity levels or environmental pollutants.

Ceramide Supplements: A Deeper Approach to Hydration

Ceramides are a family of lipid molecules found in the surface layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. This layer is composed of ‘corneocytes’, which are dead skin cells (keratinocytes) connected by a lipid structure. The lipid barrier is made up of 3 essential components: 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, and 25% free fatty acids (3). These lipids are your "built-in moisturizers" and support your skin in important ways. 

Ceramides play a leading role in helping the skin bind to and retain moisture. They also protect against environmental irritants and prevent the entry of germs into your body. They also form the skin's barrier, which is the body's first line of defense against toxins and pollution. If your skin's ceramide content decreases (which often happens with age), it can become dehydrated. You may develop skin problems like dryness and irritation. 

Ceramides play a significant role in the distinctive properties of skin in different parts of the body. For example, the surface layer of the face is thinner and more elastic, allowing for changes in facial expression. Conversely, the surface layer of the heels is thicker and more elastic, providing protection against physical damage. 

There are 12 types of ceramides based on their structure, and they play slightly different roles in barrier function and moisture retention:

• Most of the ceramides belong to the non-hydroxy family (NP, NH, NS, and NDS), representing about 55% of the total free ceramides;

• Seconded by the α-hydroxy ceramides (AH, A,P and AS) with about 35% of the total free ceramides;

• At a lower level, but always present, the ω-esterified ceramides (EOS, EOH, and EOP) represent about 10% of the total ceramide mass (4).

Disruption of ceramide synthesis or ratio in the skin can result in serious consequences, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin infections. Moreover, genetic disorders related to ceramide synthesis can lead to rare genodermatoses, including ichthyoses.

Unfortunately, as we age, ceramide production naturally decreases, leading to dryness, dullness, and increased susceptibility to environmental damage (5). Ceramide deficiency is caused by:

• Metabolic disorders

• Deficiency of vitamins (avitaminosis)

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Diabetes and insulin resistance

• Alzheimer's disease

• Sex hormone imbalance

By replenishing the skin's ceramide levels from within, we can strengthen the skin's barrier function and enhance its ability to retain moisture while also defending against external stressors related to aging and inflammation.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Ceramide Supplements

Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of ceramide supplementation on various aspects of skin function and their ability to improve skin texture, hydration, and overall health. Studies show that:

• Ceramides change keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. Exogenous short-chain ceramides activate apoptosis signal-regulating kinase and then p38 MAP kinase, resulting in enhanced differentiation in normal human keratinocytes (6). The differentiation of keratinocytes leads to increased production of lipids and proteins used for barrier function (7).

• Ceramides modulate inflammation and immune response. They act as bioactive lipids that can either promote or inhibit inflammatory processes, depending on their specific forms and the context of their action. For example, ceramides have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production and the expression of pro-inflammatory markers like COX-2 and TNF-α (8).

• Ceramides are involved in stress responses (9).

Comparing the Benefits: Supplements vs. Creams

When it comes to achieving hydrated and healthy skin, both ceramide supplements and traditional moisturizing creams have their merits. However, a side-by-side comparison reveals several distinct advantages of ceramide supplements over traditional creams. 

Deep hydration from within: While traditional moisturizing creams provide superficial hydration, ceramide supplements work from the inside out, nourishing the skin at a cellular level.

Targeted support: Unlike creams that provide general moisturization, supplements can address underlying issues, promoting overall skin health and firmness.

Convenience and consistency: Ceramide supplements are convenient and easy to incorporate into a daily routine, unlike creams that require regular application and can vary in effectiveness depending on formulation, personal features, and even the weather.

Comprehensive benefits: In addition to improving moisturization, ceramide supplements offer a range of additional skin health benefits, including improved elasticity, firmness, and resilience.

Long-term results: While traditional moisturizing creams can provide temporary relief from dry skin, their effects are often short-lived. Ceramide supplements, on the other hand, support long-term skin health and hydration.

To learn more about the limitations of topical creams, you can read this article: Do Anti-Aging Creams Work?

Enhancing Skin Barrier Function

Ceramides improve skin barrier function in several key ways

1. Replenishing Lipid Levels: Ceramides are a major component of the skin's lipid barrier. Supplementing with ceramides helps replenish these essential lipids, which are often depleted with age and environmental exposure (10).

2. Reducing Water Loss: By restoring the lipid barrier, ceramides help to reduce transepidermal water loss. This means the skin retains more moisture, staying hydrated and supple.

3. Enhancing Barrier Integrity: Ceramides strengthen the skin's structural integrity, making it more resilient to external irritants and harmful microorganisms (12).

4. Balancing Skin Microbiome: A healthy lipid barrier supports a balanced skin microbiome, which is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall skin health (13).

5. Repairing Damage: Ceramides play a crucial role in repairing the skin barrier after factors like sun exposure, pollution, and harsh skincare products have damaged it.

6. Improving Skin Texture: With a well-functioning barrier, the skin's texture becomes smoother and more even, reducing the appearance of dryness and flakiness (12).

7. Preventing Irritation: A robust skin barrier helps prevent the penetration of irritants and allergens, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation and sensitivity.

8. Supporting Skin Health: Overall, ceramides contribute to a healthier skin environment, promoting better skin function and appearance.

Anti-Aging Effects of Ceramide Supplementation

In the pursuit of youthful, radiant skin, ceramide supplementation impacts several longevity-related molecular pathways, primarily through their roles in cellular stress responses, inflammation, and apoptosis. We need to understand that ceramides are presented in both stratum corneum (as we discussed before) and in cell membranes. 

Typically, ceramides are present in cell membranes in minute quantities [<1 mol% (mol%)]. However, under stress or apoptotic conditions, their levels can increase tenfold or more. In such cases, ceramides may act as signaling molecules that modulate proliferation, differentiation, aging, inflammation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, ceramides found in the stratum corneum are not known to play a role in autophagy or potentially in metabolism regulation in general (13). 

The relationship between ceramides and longevity is complex, as elevated ceramide levels can also contribute to age-related diseases, suggesting a dual role that warrants further investigation. As with any supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow the recommended dosage.

Integrating Ceramide Supplements into Your Skincare Routine

The most effective ceramide supplements also include other skin-nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which further enhance their effects.

For example, Jung+ Skin Renewal transcends the limitations of topical creams or serums, standing alone as the only skin supplement leveraging the cutting-edge advancements of longevity science to combat every major aspect of biological skin aging from the inside out.

Here's how to effectively incorporate ceramide supplements into your holistic skincare routine for optimal results:

When selecting ceramide supplements, opt for high-quality products from reputable brands. 

• Consistency is key to achieving optimal results, so make it a habit to take your supplements at the same time each day. Incorporate ceramide supplements into your daily routine to maximize their benefits. 

• Take the recommended dosage as directed by the manufacturer, preferably with a meal to enhance absorption. 

• While ceramide supplements work from within to nourish the skin, you can enhance their effects by using topical skincare products that contain ceramides as well. 

• In addition to taking ceramide supplements, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and glowing from the inside out.

• Pay attention to how your skin responds to ceramide supplementation over time. 

• Avoid excessive consumption of highly fatty products, junk food, and trans fat in your diet. 

• Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.

The Future of Skin Hydration is Internal

Recent research makes it clear that the future of skin hydration lies in internal solutions.

Ceramide supplements offer a revolutionary approach, working from the inside out to restore the skin's natural ceramide levels and strengthen its moisture barrier. Unlike traditional creams that provide only temporary relief, ceramide supplements deliver long-lasting hydration and promote overall skin revitalization from within.

This shift to internal solutions reflects a growing awareness of the complex relationship between skin health and factors like nutrition, hydration, and overall wellness. By nourishing the skin from within, ceramide supplements provide a holistic approach, addressing the underlying causes of dryness, dullness, and aging.

References:

1. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products (2014). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 

2. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs (2000). Experimental Dermatology.

3. Thematic review series: skin lipids. The role of epidermal lipids in cutaneous permeability barrier homeostasis (2007). Journal of Lipid Research.

4. The role of ceramides in skin barrier function and the importance of their correct formulation for skincare applications (2024). International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

5. Stratum corneum lipids: the effect of ageing and the seasons (1996). Archives of Dermatological Research.

6. Ceramide signaling in mammalian epidermis (2014). Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids.

7. Exogenous Ceramide Serves as a Precursor to Endogenous Ceramide Synthesis and as a Modulator of Keratinocyte Differentiation (2022). Cells.

8. Anti-inflammatory effect of the ceramide mixture extracted from genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2017). Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering.

9. Ceramide in stress response (2010). Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

10. Potential Applications of Phyto-Derived Ceramides in Improving Epidermal Barrier Function (2017). Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 

11. Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin (2005). American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 

12. Skin Barrier Function and the Microbiome (2022). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

13. Ceramide Synthase Inhibition by Fumonisins: a Perfect Storm of Perturbed Sphingolipid Metabolism, Signaling, and Disease (2019). Journal of Lipid Research.