When it comes to skincare, there is an abundance of products out there. In this vast choice of ingredients, the one that stands out is – Ceramides!
As you age, keeping your skin well moisturized and clean is difficult. Ceramides are the perfect ingredient for it. If you look closely, ceramides are often the main ingredient in many products. They have gained popularity and all for the right reasons. It’s one of the true heroes of your skincare!
Let’s understand them.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides are a crucial part of your skin structure, constituting almost 50% of the barrier. They belong to a family of lipids and are found in the outermost layer of the skin. Ceramides hold the skin cells together and strengthen the skin barrier. They help prevent moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated.
Ceramides in Skincare
Though ceramides are present naturally in the skin, they get depleted on exposure to external factors. It’s important to understand their role in skin care.
1. Retains Moisture
Ceramides constitute almost 50% of the skin’s outer layer. They lock in the moisture and keep the skin hydrated and soft. They help combat skin dryness and flakiness.
2. Anti-Aging
The ceramide production in our skin decreases as we age. This leads to the weakening of the skin barrier and causes excessive moisture loss. Ceramides in the skin routine help counter this by maintaining firm skin and reducing fine lines.
3. Soothes the skin
Ceramides have natural anti-inflammatory properties which makes them beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin. They relieve itching and discomfort caused by skin conditions. Ceramides provide a more balanced and better complexion.
4. Strengthen the Skin Barrier
For great skin, a healthy skin barrier is essential. Ceramides play a crucial role in strengthening the skin barrier. They protect it from outer stressors and prevent them from penetrating into the skin. This helps reduce sensitivity and inflammation.
Ceramide Deficiency and Acne: are they Linked?
According to new findings, there is a strong correlation between the severity of acne and the increased scarcity of ceramides in the skin.
Acne-prone skin experiences a compromised barrier function. This results in reduced water retention and diminishes the levels of skin moisture. It also causes a decline in skin surface lipids including ceramides. Phyto Sphingosine, a type of lipid in the skin also depleted due to acne. This also impairs the skin barrier, triggering inflammation and susceptibility to infection. In lipid bilayers, ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol constitute important components.
Incorporating Ceramides into your Skincare Routine
1. Moisturizer
Moisturizers play a crucial role in restoring impaired barrier function. Moisturizer prepares the skin for treatment and also safeguards the skin from additional damage. By incorporating ceramides into moisturizers, they become effective guardians of the skin. They replenish the ceramides in the skin and facilitate skin barrier repair. Ceramide-based moisturizers can also complement the existing therapies for acne. They are noncomedogenic and non-irritating. They are also known to be fragrance-free.
2. Cleansers
Look for gentle cleansers containing ceramides to maintain the skin barrier along with cleansing. It ensures skin hydration along with protection throughout the cleansing process.
3. Serums
Ceramide-rich serums can target specific skin conditions such as aging and sensitivity. They deliver a concentrated dose of ceramide to replenish and revitalize the skin. This improves its overall texture and appearance.
4. Sunscreens
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen which includes ceramide to reinforce the barrier function along with shielding the skin.
Ceramides are indeed a powerhouse for skincare. They offer ample benefits for your skin and help it unlock its true potential. So, don’t let ceramide deficiency hold you back any longer!