When it comes to skin-care brands, prevalence isn’t always long-lived. One minute a brand will blow up as the latest must-have, selling out with every restock, and the next minute it’s forgotten about.
But for brands that aren’t just a fleeting fad, there’s typically one thing that sets them apart from the rest: science. When backed by science, you can rest assured that your skin-care product will actually work. A prime example of an effective brand that’s built up a loyal following? CeraVe.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe was the first band that emphasized the importance of restoring ceramides and lipids which may be deficient in those with dry skin or more serious conditions like eczema. “CeraVe is more than just a brand; it represents a culture with an emphasis on gentle and effective skin care, which as a dermatologist, I highly value and I’m constantly preaching,” says Minneapolis, MN dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD. “Regardless of the product, CeraVe never deviates from their ceramide-based formulation and emphasizing the importance of a healthy skin barrier.”
Our ceramide-packed skin barrier, or the outer protective layer of skin, is vital for preserving hydration in the skin and defending it against potential irritants. “Ceramides are the most abundant and important lipids that our skin naturally contains to create a healthy and functional skin barrier,” explains Dr. Liu. So, without ceramides, skin will experience an increase in transepidermal water loss and irritation, creating a less-than-ideal complexion.
Unfortunately, ceramide depletion is common for many of us. “Ceramide levels can decrease with factors like age, sun exposure, and stress, and are often decreased in inflamed, dry, acne-prone and eczema-prone skin,” says Dr. Liu. During the colder months, ceramides are especially important since they assist in protecting the skin from environmental aggressors like dry air. Also, research has confirmed that low ceramide levels can lead to atopic dermatitis (aka eczema), so it’s critical to keep those ceramide levels high—especially during months with harsh weather conditions.
To take things even further, CeraVe incorporates their patented slow release delivery system, called MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology, into their formulas, which releases ingredients over the course of 24 hours in order to keep the skin feeling healthy throughout the day.
For skin in need of some extra TLC, try one (or all!) of CeraVe’s three core products: the Moisturizing Cream, Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Using products like these that are specifically focused on replenishing the skin’s ceramides will not only keep the skin feeling soft and supple, they may also help alleviate the symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Talk about a win-win.
