Is ceramide a hormone? What is the role of ceramide?

​In the ingredient list of common skin care products, you can actually see the presence of ceramide. Do you know what ceramide is? Do you know what ceramide does?

Is ceramide a hormone?

Ceramide is not a hormone, but a type of lipid in the human body. It belongs to the phospholipids and is the main component of cell membranes. It plays an important role in the skin barrier. It has the function of moisturizing and maintaining skin elasticity, preventing skin from drying and flaking, and also has a certain anti-aging effect. Ceramide is widely present in various cytokines and is involved in the physiological and pathological processes of cell differentiation. It acts as a second messenger in biological membranes and plays an important role in cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and damage. It can also be used in cosmetics and skin care products to enhance the skin's anti-aging effects, make the skin elastic and reduce wrinkles.

What does ceramide do?

Ceramide is a colorless, transparent, liquid, water-soluble lipid that can regularly regenerate keratin, promote cell metabolism, and transmit cell information. The components of the stratum corneum include 50% ceramide, 30% free fatty acids, 15% cholesterol, and 5% cholesterol ester. Ceramide is the most abundant in the entire stratum corneum and plays the most important role. It plays an important role in preventing moisture from escaping and protecting against external stimuli. It has the functions of protecting the skin, moisturizing and hydrating. Ceramide ingredients are contained in daily skin care products.

Difference Between Ceramide and Niacinamide

The main difference is whether the skin can be synthesized. Ceramide is a type of substance that our skin can synthesize by itself, while niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3. Therefore, niacinamide and ceramide are not essentially the same type of substances; they just share the same skin care effect.

Can ceramide and niacinamide be used together?

Niacinamide and ceramide can be used together. The main function of niacinamide is whitening, and the main function of ceramide is moisturizing. Using the two ingredients together has a good skin care effect. Some big brands also have these two ingredients in the ingredient list, so you can safely mix them.