An Introduction to Topical Ceramides: What’s All the Excitement About?

In the world of skincare, ceramides have enjoyed renewed interest in the benefits they can offer towards a wide range of skin concerns. As our understanding into the role of, and processes underlying, a healthy epidermal skin barrier grew, so did our ability to therapeutically integrate the use of skin-identical lipids, like ceramides. Although traditional moisturizing agents impart notable benefits, ceramides are being found to play a unique role in fostering a more direct replenishment of barrier structures, and thus repair, in the context of the skin barrier damage often associated with various skin concerns. 

This course is designed to provide Naturopathic Doctors and licensed healthcare providers with a detailed introduction to the world of topical ceramides. This will include research surrounding their use and effectiveness as part of physiologic skincare products in the management of various skin concerns, with a particular look at treating skin dryness.

Key aspects reviewed include:

· An overview of topical ceramides as part of the epidermal skin barrier, including their structure, ceramide nomenclature, and factors affecting barrier integrity

· Exploring how ceramides are being integrated into a wide range of topical formulations beyond moisturizers, such as skin cleansers, sunscreens, and formulas designed for treating specific skin concerns; with a review of clinical research relating to each of these uses

· A focus on the topic of xerosis, including how it relates to skin barrier impairment, and a review of clinical trials examining the use of ceramide-containing products on managing xerosis due to multiple causes

Who might benefit from this course?

Any healthcare provider who:

• Is looking to become familiar with topical ceramides, including the types of skincare products they are found in, and use in managing xerosis from multiple causes
• Is wanting to augment their ability to answer patient questions surrounding topical ceramides, particularly from an evidence-based perspective