What is a ceramide?

There are countless layers of skin, but the one we see when we look in the mirror is called the epidermis. Believe it or not, even the epidermis has layers, and there are five. Ceramides live in the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum. The job of ceramide molecules is to link the cells of the stratum corneum together, acting like glue.

Why are ceramides important?

Ceramides are crucial to skin because they protect it from the dangers of the environment. They, like the body’s immune system, prevent free radicals, environmental stressors and bacteria from getting absorbed into the skin. In addition, they help skin retain its moisture content, which is vital to the delicate skin around the eyes. When ceramides disappear, skin becomes dry, irritated, inflamed and itchy.

What causes loss of ceramides?

The biggest culprit when it comes to ceramide loss is normal skin aging. Typically, around the age of 30, the effectiveness of ceramides reduces. However, the environment, over-exfoliation, dry skin and sometimes even genetics can diminish the efficacy of ceramides.

How do I prevent ceramide loss?

There’s really no way to prevent ceramide loss, but you can give them back to your skin. Topical skin care treatments are a primary way to replenish ceramide content, and can be found in any number of skin care products, such as serums, moisturizers and masks. By using products formulated with ceramides, skin will get a boost of moisture, leaving your complexion plump and hydrated.

Why should I use ceramide products around my eyes?

One of the major areas to be concerned about ceramide and moisture content is around the eyes. Why? A common area where aging begins to rear its head is in the eye area. The skin beneath the eye is much thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, and, for this reason, it can easily become dry and start to sag.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger says, “Many of my patients come to me with wrinkles under their eyes and all that they have is seriously dry skin. Instead of Botox or fillers, they need a great eye cream that, frequently, has ingredients such as ceramides!”

Since ceramides protect against free radicals, when they stop working so well, the aging process can quicken. Using a ceramide product around the eyes will not only reduce the ability for free radicals to be absorbed, but it will also help that fragile, thin skin stay moisturized, which will prevent dry, irritated eye skin, crow’s feet and wrinkles.

Looking for a product formulated with ceramides? Here are some of our favorites:

Try: SkinCeuticals Eye Cream: Protect your eyes against free radicals while supporting its natural hydration with this fast-absorbing eye cream. Peptides reduce puffiness and dark circles, centella asiatica increases skin firmness and elasticity, and ceramides lock in moisture for more youthful looking eyes. This fast-absorbing cream will go on skin without feeling too greasy.

LovelySkin Lipid Drops: Formulated to soften rough or dry skin, this ceramide and lipid combo will help skin protect its own moisture barrier, which will lead to plumper, firmer skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types, these drops won’t weigh skin down, leading to more glowing under-eye skin.

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50: This super-powered SPF contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays in a formula that was designed specifically for use under the eye. This lightweight, tinted cream can be applied under eyes and on the eyelid and can be used as a primer for eyeshadow.

LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%: This gentle formula exfoliates to refine skin tone and texture while improving skin’s ability to retain moisture. It contains filaggrin, which is the building block of natural moisturizing factors along with ceramides that help keep skin hydrated. Because the ingredients aren’t harsh or abrasive, it will not leave skin feeling tight, dry or irritated, which will give skin a hydrated and radiant appearance.

Want more eye brightening product recommendations? Check out one of our latest blog posts, "Send Tired Eyes Packing: Our Favorite Products to Brighten Eyes".