Which Skin Type Suits 5 Types of Ceramides?

Ceramide is one of the lipid components that make up the skin's stratum corneum, helping to fill the spaces between cells so that moisture doesn't escape. The reason for using the 5 types together—NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP—is that this combination forms a ratio more similar to the skin's original lipid structure.

However, even with the same 5 types of ceramides, the perceived effect can vary depending on which skin type and timing they're used for. This article organizes which skin types and conditions suit the 5 types of ceramides well, and how to incorporate them into home care according to different periods.

Why 'Composition Similar to Skin Lipids' Matters for the 5 Types of Ceramides

The skin barrier is compared to a brick and mortar structure. If corneocytes are the bricks, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids act as the mortar filling the spaces between them. When this ratio is disrupted, moisture evaporates easily, creating an environment where external irritants can penetrate more easily.

Rather than including just one or two types of ceramide, combining all 5 types in a ratio close to the skin's natural composition, along with cholesterol and fatty acids, is commonly discussed in lipid physiology as being helpful for barrier care. This is why 'what types, in what ratio, combined with what' matters just as much as 'ceramide content.'

Skin conditions that suit 5 types of ceramides well

① Dry and sensitive skin with recurring tightness and flaking with each change of season — the barrier function is weakened, reducing its ability to retain moisture, so replenishing lipid components can be helpful.

② Skin that becomes sensitive right after a procedure or irritation — the stratum corneum may be temporarily thinned or loosened, making it more likely to react to external stimuli. During this period, it's good to consider soothing care together with barrier care.

③ Skin that stays dry inside even after applying a heavy cream — if the formulation only adds oil but doesn't match the skin's lipid composition, it may just sit on top without resolving the underlying tightness. In this case, how closely the lipid ratio resembles the skin's own composition matters more.

On the other hand, for oily skin with active sebum production and concerns about shine, ceramides themselves are not an issue, but it's better to choose a lighter formulation to avoid excessive oiliness.

Skin condition and care direction that change by stage

The process of the barrier weakening and then recovering usually goes through stages. Right after irritation, redness, heat, and stinging appear first; after this period passes, the redness subsides but a stage remains where tightness and fine flaking persist, which then gradually transitions into a recovery stage where the skin texture becomes smoother.

In the early stage, care focused on soothing and barrier protection may be more suitable, while in the later stage, care focused on deep hydration and texture refinement may be more fitting. In other words, even if the ingredient '5 types of ceramides' stays the same, it makes sense to use products step by step whose combined ingredients and concentration design differ depending on the stage.

Try dividing your home care by stage like this

Stage 1 (right after irritation or a procedure): During the period when redness and heat are felt, it's good to lightly apply a product formulated with a high proportion of soothing ingredients like panthenol and allantoin along with ceramides, as if covering the skin. The key is to layer it on gently without rubbing and let it absorb.

Stage 2 (after redness subsides): During the period when redness has decreased but tightness and flaking remain, switching to a product focused on moisturizing power and texture refinement, which helps fill moisture deep into the stratum corneum, can be helpful.

In both stages, the common basic approach is to tone the skin after cleansing, then layer on a ceramide-containing cream without irritation.

A 5-type ceramide cream tailored to each stage, ABJU

ABJU cream is composed of 2 steps tailored to these differences in skin condition by stage. It is designed so that 'Ultra Cera-Rich Cream' is used during the early stage when soothing and barrier care are needed, and 'Hydro Re-Boosting Cream' is used during the stage after redness subsides when deep hydration and texture care are needed. Both products focus on combining 5 types of ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) together with cholesterol and fatty acids to achieve a composition similar to the skin's own lipids.

Recovery after a procedure depends on home care

Even with the same 5 types of ceramides, it's important to choose the right product for the right time. ABIJU Cream is designed to be used according to changes in skin condition, divided into 'Ultra Cera-Rich Cream' for soothing and barrier care right after irritation, and 'Hydro Re-Boosting Cream' for deep moisturizing and skin texture care afterward.