Efficacy of ceramide-containing sunscreen on skin barrier

Dr. Vinayak Venkatesh​
MBBS, MD (Skin & S.T.D)​
Consultant : Dermatologist , Venereologist & Leprologist​
Chinmaya Mission Hospital​
Karnataka​

UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin but also impair its barrier function. Sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting the skin from UV radiation; however, its effect on skin barrier function remains a topic of interest. While much research highlights sunscreen’s role in preventing UV-induced oxidative damage, there is limited understanding of its daily impact on the skin barrier. A study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (February 2024) examined the effects of a ceramide-containing sunscreen on skin barrier function, including among individuals with sensitive skin. Sixty volunteers applied an SPF 30 sunscreen with ceramides every morning for four weeks. Researchers assessed skin barrier changes using non-invasive techniques, measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, facial redness (via VISIA-CR imaging), and the erythema index (EI). Adverse reactions were also evaluated throughout the study.

After four weeks of using the ceramide-containing sunscreen, participants experienced notable improvements in skin health. Significant reductions were observed in skin redness (based on a* and erythema index) and TEWL (Figure 1), accompanied by a 21.96% increase in the moisture content of the stratum corneum. Importantly, no adverse events were reported throughout the study.

a*value indicates increased redness in the skin

Figure 1. Application of ceramide-containing sunscreen significantly reduced skin redness and TEWL

Daily application of ceramide-containing sunscreen can increase skin hydration while enhancing the function of the skin barrier.

Reference: Cao Y, Zhang X, He X, et al. Efficacy of ceramide-containing sunscreen on skin barrier. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(2):525–528.