Do You Know the Correct Order for Applying 5 Types of Ceramide?

Ceramide is a lipid component that fills the spaces between cells in the stratum corneum, and is known to function similarly to the skin's natural barrier structure. The reason labels often say '5 types,' including NP, NS, AS, AP, and EOP, is because there are various types of ceramide that make up skin lipids—and the key point is that combining various types together can create a composition more similar to the skin's lipids.

However, no matter how good the ingredient is, absorption efficiency can decrease if the 'application order' is wrong. Especially during periods when skin condition changes, such as before and after a procedure, it's necessary to pay more careful attention to order and amount used.

Why does the order of ceramide application matter?

The basic principle of skincare is 'from thinner to thicker textures.' Moisture-focused toner and essence supply hydration to the skin first, and then cream containing oil-based ingredients is layered on top, acting as a cover so that the moisture doesn't evaporate.

Since ceramides are lipid components, they are mostly formulated into creams or lotions. This means that if you apply a ceramide product first, the hydrating ingredients layered on top may not fully absorb into the skin and could just sit on the surface. On the other hand, following the correct order allows a lipid layer to sit on top of the hydration layer, creating a more favorable environment for moisture care.

Progress and Order Adjustment by Skin Condition

For normal skin, the basic order is 'Cleansing → Toner → Essence/Serum → Ceramide Cream.' As the number of steps increases, it's good to allow enough time for each product to be absorbed.

However, right after a lifting procedure or skin irritation (roughly 1 to 3 days), it may be safer to simplify to just one low-irritation cream rather than adding multiple steps. During this period, minimizing irritation takes priority over absorbing many ingredients.

From around day 4 onward, once irritation has subsided and you feel tightness deep in the skin, you can gradually increase the steps again with products containing ceramides along with moisturizing ingredients to help refine the skin texture.

Step-by-Step Home Care Routine Summary

① After cleansing, while the skin is still slightly damp, use a toner to refine the skin texture.

② If you have a hydration-focused essence or serum, gently pat it in to absorb. If your skin is in a sensitive period, you can skip this step.

③ Finally, take an appropriate amount of cream containing ceramides and gently layer it on without rubbing to finish. For sensitive areas, patting it in to absorb can help reduce irritation.

Why Choosing the Right Ceramide Cream for Each Period Matters

Even with the same 5 types of ceramides, the necessary formulation and texture differ depending on skin condition. During periods when redness and heat remain, such as right after a procedure, a lightweight formula with soothing ingredients may be more suitable, while during the recovery period when irritation has subsided but tightness remains, a formula focused on deep hydration may be more appropriate.

For this reason, it is known that designing a post-procedure care routine divided by period can ultimately be more advantageous for managing skin condition.

Post-Procedure Recovery Depends on Home Care

ZXQMAGAZINETERM Abiju Cream ZXQ is composed of a 2-STEP system reflecting these differences by period. For the first 1 to 3 days right after a procedure, it is designed to use the low-irritation 'Ultra Cera-Rich Cream' containing 5 types of ceramides, and from day 4 onward, once redness has subsided and tightness is felt, the 'Hydro Re-Boosting Cream,' based on the same 5 types of ceramides with added deep hydration care, is designed to be used. Both products combine ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in a ratio similar to the skin's natural lipids, helping to enable step-by-step care without having to worry too much about the order of application.