Ceramides: Essential Lipids for Healthy, Hydrated, Youthful Skin

What is ceramide? What role does it play in skincare products?

In our search for anti-aging products, we found the unsung hero of the beauty industry: ceramides. Little is written about ceramides, but they are often overlooked.

That’s why we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about this skin-regenerating ingredient.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids, or fats, that occur naturally in the skin and are primarily located in the outer layer of the skin, protecting it from environmental influences such as pollutants.

They also help maintain the health and function of the skin’s protective barrier. Ceramides are found in high concentrations, making up 50% of the skin’s structure.

This means that the look and feel of your skin depends on them more than you think.

What do ceramides do?

Ceramides connect skin cells and form a protective layer over the skin. They have proven to be more effective than more well-known ingredients like retinol.

Ceramides protect the skin from all the factors that can cause signs of aging and prevent moisture loss. This keeps the skin looking youthful and healthy.

While the body produces ceramides naturally, you can also boost their production by using products containing synthetic ceramides.

You can also add more fatty acid-rich foods to your diet, such as avocados.

What are the benefits of ceramides?

Since ceramides occur naturally in the human body, you may wonder if using products containing ceramides is beneficial.

In fact, incorporating them into your daily skincare routine can be very beneficial. Environmental factors such as UV rays have a great impact on the skin’s natural ceramides.

This causes them to break down and damage the skin barrier. In this case, your skin becomes tight, inflamed, and red, and wrinkles and fine lines become more noticeable.

Key Benefits of Ceramides

Ceramides Reduce Signs of Skin Aging

Ceramides Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Ceramides Lock in Moisture and Prevent Dry Skin

Ceramides Help Repair Dehydrated Skin

The benefits of ceramides are not limited to specific skin types. Now let’s explain the effects of ceramides on different skin types.

Which skin types are suitable for using ceramides?

All skin types can use products containing ceramides because they are already present in the body.

Blemish-prone skin and sensitive skin are especially suitable for using products containing ceramides because they regenerate the skin and do not impair its daily functions.

If you suffer from eczema and psoriasis, you will find that all topical products used to treat your condition usually contain ceramides, as this active ingredient has a particularly moisturizing and water-locking effect.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic ceramides?

Natural ceramides are found in the skin and can be absorbed through the diet, such as B. by eating foods rich in healthy fatty acids.

Sweet potatoes

Soybeans

Corn

Avocados

Wheat

Rice

Synthetic ceramides used in skincare products are replicated in a laboratory, but are still very effective in skincare. They can provide ceramides to the skin and provide many benefits.

What should I look for when choosing products containing ceramides?

In most cases, products containing ceramides will mention it on the label and in the ingredient list.

Look for the names Ceramide, AP, EOP, NG, NP or NS. Look for phytosphingosine and sphingosine, as these ingredients are known as ceramide precursors and stimulate the production of natural ceramides in the skin.

Tip: Always make sure the packaging is intact.

I mean opaque and sealed packaging, because most anti-aging ingredients are unstable and lose their effectiveness when exposed to too much air and UV radiation.

Can I combine ceramides with other ingredients?

Ceramides work best when combined with other skin regenerating ingredients, especially those containing fatty acids such as glycerin.

Antioxidants such as niacinamide complement skin care perfectly with ceramides. This blend of active ingredients effectively improves skin tone, texture, and signs of aging.

The three main ingredients that will give you the best results are:

Retinol

Antioxidants

Peptides

Other skincare substances such as AHAs and BHAs also work perfectly with ceramides.

You can expect impressive results, because chemical peels allow ceramide-rich products to be absorbed faster by the skin, resulting in faster results.

Some people claim that hyaluronic acid and ceramides are similar, which is understandable, because their mode of action and the way they treat the skin are very similar.

The main difference is that ceramides are less mentioned and less well-known in the market.

In our blog post on chemical peels, you can learn more about their effects and skin rejuvenation.

Which is better, ceramide skincare or supplements?

For some people, it doesn’t matter how ceramides are incorporated into their skincare routine – what matters is their use.

People with irritated skin or other skin issues may find it easier to take a supplement and treat the problem from the inside.

For people with very dry and aging skin, using a ceramide-rich cream or lotion is a better option.

How to Incorporate Ceramide Products into Your Skincare Routine.

You’ll be happy to hear that ceramides can be used in a variety of products.

Cleansing Products

Moisturizers

Serums

Face Cleansers

Masks

To maximize the moisturizing benefits of a ceramide cleanser, it’s best to use it twice a day. Apply moisturizer right after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp.

This allows the product to retain more moisture. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

This should be the last step in your nighttime regimen so that the product can be absorbed and work its full benefits while you sleep.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Ceramides are generally safe for all skin types. However, as with all skin care products, it is recommended to first perform a compatibility test on a small area of skin to rule out possible skin reactions or irritation.

Here’s how:

Apply a small amount of the product (about the size of a dime) to your forearm.

Wait and see if redness, itching, or other irritation occurs.

If irritation occurs, wash the affected area immediately and stop using the product.

If there is no immediate reaction, leave the product on for 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, you can use it for other purposes without hesitation.

When will I see visible results?

You will see results almost immediately after using a ceramide moisturizer. The skin will feel comfortable, soft, and look cared for and moisturized.

Due to your skin’s natural cell cycle and skin type, the anti-aging effects may take longer. Generally, about six months is enough to see results that reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

As we all know, ceramides occur naturally in the human body, and there is nothing wrong with letting the skin produce ceramides on its own.

If you’re looking to boost your skin’s ceramide production by introducing ceramide-containing products into your skincare routine, you’ll experience a host of benefits and achieve balanced, hydrated, and youthful-looking skin.

You’ll be glad you didn’t discover this powerful ingredient sooner!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected