Here's what a dermatologist recommends from CeraVe depending on your skin type
There are very few skincare products that achieve cult status. In fact, I can only think of a handful in all my years as a beauty editor. There's the glow-inducing Pixi Tonic, hangover-hiding Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and the mega moistursing La Mer Cream.
One brand that I didn't envisage entering the beauty hall of fame was CeraVe. With each and every product in its modest range either winning awards or blowing up on TikTok, it has swiftly become a brand that can now be recognised as a household name.
Despite its packaging that looks slightly clinical and change-leftover-from-a-twenty pricing, it's now the fastest-growing brand across health and beauty. We understand that it doesn't exactly scream 'luxury'; however, it's a line-up that you'll expect to find in many beauty editor's cupboards and mere mortals alike.
So, what's all the fuss about? Read on and you'll soon find out...
What is CeraVe?
CeraVe is a skincare brand whose origins began in 2005, when researchers partnered with leading dermatologists to create a line of products that are designed to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
The USP is that it's the first and only brand to offer a full line of products containing an exclusive combination of three scientifically-identified essential ceramides. Each product works to penetrate the skin’s surface, infuse it with moisture, and lock it in for truly long-lasting results.
What is so good about CeraVe?
1. It's developed by dermatologists
Co-founder of the brand Tom Allison explained to Vogue that one of the reasons for its success is written plain as day on the packaging ‘developed by dermatologists'.
'In 2004, we brought together a panel of dermatologists who are considered the world experts in ingredient formulation design and asked them what they would create were they to start a skincare brand themselves. They pointed us to ingredients called ceramides,' he says.
2. It contains ceramides
Ceramides hold the power to truly rejuvenate your skin’s appearance. 'Ceramides are fats (also known as lipids) that make up over 50 percent of your skin’s composition. Yep, in case you didn’t know it, you’re basically a walking, talking avocado. 'Ceramides are particularly abundant in the outermost layers of the skin so it’s no surprise that they play a vital role in determining how your skin looks, ages and how it responds to environmental stress,' explains cosmetic doctor, Dr Johanna Ward, WH 'Skin Deep' columnist.
3. It's affordable
Last but by no means least, let's talk about the price. Some of the range comes in at less than a tenner and all of it less than 20 quid. Equally, the formulas last, and I can attest that the cleansers last around three months. But, just to reiterate, the affordable price-tag is zero reflection on the product quality – you're still getting hard-working, dermatologist-approved formulas without stretching your budget.
Is CeraVe good?
In a word, yes. For the main reason mentioned above, it's all to do with ceramides. You know the grout that keeps your Pinterest worthy bathroom tiles in place? Well, ceramides work in exactly the same way. If there isn’t enough grout between the tiles in your shower, then it’s powerless at keeping water from leaking out.
'Ceramides seal the gaps between skin cells and keep vital moisture locked in. They also keep your skin cells organised into a dynamic matrix rather than a hopeless mishmash, which also helps to prevent hydration from leaking out and crucially, from preventing undesirables such as free radicals, bacteria and pollution from seeping in. Ceramides are akin to the ‘do not pass go’ card in your monopoly game,' explains Dr Ward.
So why are ceramides so important? Well, without the protective prowess of ceramides you open the floodgates to all sorts of tricky skincare issues.
'Skin can look and feel dry, red, rough, and will ultimately weak. In people with dry skin and conditions like eczema, rosacea, and even acne, we know that ceramide levels in the skin are lower than they should be,' adds Dr Ward.
'This contributes to sensitivity and skin inflammation. The lovely thing about ceramides is that all skin types can benefit from them and all skin types respond well to them. Because they are naturally occurring in the body, applying ceramides topically doesn’t upset sensitive or oily skins. Regular use makes the skin plumper, firmer and more resilient to ageing and environmental damage,' she adds.
Why do dermatologists love CeraVe?
It's all to do with those ceramides, guys. They really are a vital ingredient in your skincare routine.
The Best CeraVe Products | A Product For Every Skin Type
The best CeraVe products for dry skin
Those with dry skin will know all too well that the right cleanser is vital to keep pesky flakes at bay. Set your sights on the Hydrating Cleanser. 'It contains three essential ceramides to help protect the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid is left behind which helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture,' says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, CeraVe Medical and Aesthetics Consultant.
Side note. Ceramides are as equally as important for skin that lives below your neckline. This protective moisturising body cream is made with three naturally occurring ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration.
Better yet, if you're really on a mission to bust your dry skin for good, you can bag both the Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturising Cream in a nifty bundle and save £5.50.
If you're looking to up the ante in the hydration department, it's a wise idea to invest in a hydrating serum – like this one – to ensure that moisture is sustained throughout the day. This hyaluronic acid serum does a masterful job at locking in moisture and ensuring it doesn't escape by lunchtime.
The best CeraVe product for sensitive skin
Ceramides could not be more vital for sensitive skin. So if your face is feeling the brunt of the chilly season then you'll be pleased to know that barrier repair is in CeraVe’s DNA.
'The Facial Moisturising Lotion AM / Facial Moisturising Lotion PM contains ceramides, niacinamide and emollients to ensure that you’re be working on your barrier repair at every step of your routine,' explains Dr Ejikeme. Plus, it's got added SPF 50, which is always an added bonus and an easy way to streamline your routine.
Look no further than CeraVe’s Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser to mollify sensitised skin. The extra-gentle formula – packed with skin-calming niacinamide and ceramides – is strong enough to lift away dirt and impurities, but won't strip your barrier and cause tightness. It's nourishing, soothing and feels like a cosseting hug on irritable skin.
The best CeraVe products for acne/oily-prone skin
Oily and acne-prone skin types usually have to deal with discomfort and imperfections, therefore they need a trusted cleanser that will mop up excess oil without drying.
'This cleanser was created to slough off dead skin and smooth bumps, however it has gained cult status as a blemish-fighting cleanser among customers. It contains salicylic acid and LHA to smooth skin while hydrating and repairing with hyaluronic acid and ceramides,' says Dr Ejikeme.
A newer addition to the CeraVe lineup – which also happens to be an excellent blemish-buster – is the Blemish Control Cleanser. Much like the SA Soothing Cleanser, it contains 2% salicylic acid to decongest pores, but it kicks things up a notch by adding ceramides and niacinamide to control excess sebum and replenish moisture. It's a great one-and-done cleanser that anyone with acne-prone skin should have in their arsenal.
There's nothing stopping you from applying this all over to help target breakouts and blackheads, but we particularly love it as a localised treatment on that one pesky patch of blemishes or spots. After cleansing, apply the product and let it sit overnight: its hard-working formula is packed with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to protect, hydrate and decongest your skin. It truly is an overachiever.
The best CeraVe product for combination skin
When your skin can't make it's mind up (what we call combination skin) effective cleansing and moisturising is crucial to keep everything in check. You'll want something that's hydrating enough to soothe those rough areas, but won't encourage over-excited pores further.
According to Dr Ejikeme, this cleanser has the best of both worlds for combination skin. 'The hydrating cream formula uses amino-acids to create a rich foam which hydrates but doesn’t leave any residue on the skin,' says Dr Ejikeme.
Another great way to remove makeup is by using this micellar water: it's pumped with niacinamide and ceramides to sweep away oil and residue from the day, without compromising your oh-so-important skin barrier. Developed with all skin types in mind, it's a great choice if yours sits bang in between oily and dry: it will keep your skin hydrated, balanced and free from irritation.
And if you're on the look out for a moisturiser, the Moisturising Lotion is another win that perfectly suits combination skin types.
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