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!
