Ceramides
Ceramides hold skin together and form a protective layer to help prevent moisture loss and visible damage from environmental stressors. Ceramides also help to keep your skin supple.
Ceramides in skincare
With a proven track record in addressing signs of ageing, ceramides are a true hidden gem in skincare. Ceramides are in fact lipids (fats) that occur naturally in skin. You can view ceramides as the mortar between the skin cells. They play an important role in keeping the cells together.
Ceramide benefits
Preventing moisture loss and protecting skin from visible damage from environmental stressors are some of the key benefits of ceramides in skincare. Frequent use of a moisturizer with ceramides or other ceramides products can help to replenish the naturally occurring ceramides in skin.
Ceramides and other ingredients
Wondering which is better: ceramides or hyaluronic acid? The answer is: your skin needs both! Hyaluronic acid provides much-needed hydration while ceramides help your skin hold onto it. In other words, there is no single anti-ageing ingredient that does it all, so make sure your ceramide cream or serum is also formulated with antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, linoleic acid, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
FAQ's
1. What are ceramides and why are they important for skin health?
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up 50% of your skin's barrier. Paula's Choice ceramide products help:
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Restore and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier
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Prevent moisture loss and dehydration
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Soothe sensitivity and redness
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Improve skin's resilience against environmental stressors
Our formulas combine ceramides with complementary ingredients like cholesterol and fatty acids for optimal barrier repair.
2. Which ceramide product is best for my skin type?
We recommend:
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Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Omega+ Complex Moisturizer (ceramides + omega fatty acids)
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Sensitive/Reactive Skin: Calm Repairing Moisturizer (ceramides + niacinamide)
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Mature Skin: Peptide Booster (ceramides + peptides)
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All Skin Types: Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream (for delicate eye area)
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Barrier Repair: Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer (intensive treatment)
3. Can I use ceramide products with other active ingredients?
Absolutely! Ceramides pair well with:
✓ Retinol (helps counteract dryness/irritation)
✓ Hyaluronic acid (boosts hydration)
✓ Vitamin C (supports barrier function)
✓ Exfoliants (AHA/BHA - helps soothe after exfoliation)
✓ Niacinamide (enhances barrier repair)
4. How often should I use ceramide products?
For optimal results:
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Use ceramide moisturizers daily (AM and PM)
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Apply after serums/treatments and before sunscreen (AM)
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Use as final step in nighttime routine to lock in moisture
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Increase usage when experiencing barrier damage or extreme dryness
5. Are Paula's Choice ceramide products suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes! All our ceramide products are:
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Fragrance-free
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Non-comedogenic
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Dermatologist-tested
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Free from common irritants
The Calm Repairing Moisturizer is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, while the lightweight Omega+ Complex Moisturizer won't clog pores for acne-prone users.