Did you know that ceramides exist naturally in our body? They’re the glue that holds our skin cells together! Ceramides play a role in brain and nervous system development but are also important in maintaining healthy skin… More than 50% of our skin is made up of ceramides, after all!
Ceramides are a type of lipid made of sphingosine and a fatty acid and can be found on the top layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin on your body). The natural ageing process and harsh soaps /exfoliants can lead to ceramide loss in the skin, leading to tiny cracks in the protective outer barrier of the skin. This can lead to inflammation and infection… but you can replenish lost ceramides to keep the skin barrier healthy and functioning as it should.
Signs that you may benefit from a ceramide cream or a ceramide lotion include having:
- Dry, rough skin
- Irritated skin
- Red and/or inflamed skin
- Visible signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles)
What are the benefits of Ceramides in Skincare?
Helps retain moisture
If the skin’s barrier becomes compromised, it leads to transepidermal epidermal water loss – where water passes through the epidermis and evaporates on the surface of the skin, leading to dry inflamed skin. Ceramides in skincare help the skin to retain moisture by creating a barrier to prevent moisture loss. This also protects against environmental stressors. This can help decrease water loss on the skin, in turn, boosting skin hydration and improving barrier function.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
A damaged skin barrier also leads to thinner skin and visible signs of ageing due to the loss of proteins in the skin. Hydrated skin also looks and feels plumper, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Soothes inflamed skin
Ceramides can also help soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. As it strengthens the skins barrier, it will also help prevent bacteria from entering the skin and help fight acne.
You’ll see the benefits from Ceramides immediately upon application and is most effective in products like moisturisers. They pair well with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid to pull moisture in the skin, and also work as a great skin-soothing ingredient alongside exfoliants and retinol.
Where to find Ceramides
Natural ceramides are found in the skin, whereas skin care products can contain synthetic ceramides. Plant-derived ceramides can support skin ceramides and are chemically similar.
Foods that may contain ceramides include:
- wheat
- rice
- corn
- sweet potato
- soybean
- konjac
- Some food supplements
Ceramides may appear as ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide NS, and phytosphingosine, in the ingredients list of over-the-counter products. The label may also list sphingosine, an organic chemical compound involved in making ceramides.
Ceramides create a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss — keeping skin hydrated, plump, and supple, as well as protecting the skin from harmful irritants… what’s not to love?
Some of our favourite skincare products featuring ceramides…
Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser
The Byoma cleanser is a gentle, effective cleanser that feels great on the skin. It’s an ultra hydrating jelly cleanser breaks down dirt, excess oil and makeup without disrupting the skin barrier. It has a unique barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) plus antioxidant-rich licorice root and green tea extracts to nourish while brightening and conditioning.
Glow Recipe Avocado Serum
Avocado isn’t just for toast! This ceramide-rich serum is full of fatty acids to nourish your skin and replenish the skin barrier…. Giving your skin the love it deserves. Although this serum has a lightweight formula, it feels very replenishing and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It’s rich in ceramides strengthens the moisture barrier… something a lot of us need right now!
SKIN RG Ceramide Moisturiser
Their potent clinical active “C3” delivers a powerful complex of ceramides and potent actives which weave through your skin to deliver long-term moisturisation while plumping the skin for instant rejuvenation. Ideal for sensitive fragile skin that can be reactive.
Buy the moisturiser from SKN-RG
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
This is a rich moisturising cream for all-day hydration with 3 essential ceramides to help protect the skin’s natural barrier. Love that this utilises Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides for a bond-repairing superstar duo.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
This super rich moisturising cream is thick enough to use as a night cream and feels so hydrating on the skin. This cream is rich in active lipids, peptides, small-particle hyaluronic acid, and rich shea butter, that visibly brightens, firms, and plumps.
Buy the peptide cream from Sephora
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
This nourishing night cream gently recuperates the skin after a long day. Ceramide 1 and 3 are combined with naturally occurring skin lipids to deeply restore the skin’s barrier. This boosts the skin’s natural protection against skin-ageing ready for the next morning.
Buy the night cream from Look Fantastic
Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Mask
This hydrating mask looks and feels like lush honey and it’s oh-so-satisfying to apply!
You massage this into the skin and it transforms into a nourishing cream. It’s a warming, hydrating facial mask that strengthens the skin barrier and boosts the skin’s radiance… it has a beautiful spa-like experience and is an absolute joy to use. The warmth from the mask is relaxing, it adds to the experience as well as helping the product to penetrate the skin better. Skin is left glowing and hydrated… love!
(*PR gift/sample)
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