Why use ceramides to help your skin?

The quest for healthy, radiant skin is a goal many of us pursue.

We try a multitude of products, from day creams to serums and masks, hoping to find the secret to a smoother, less dull complexion and to delay the signs of aging – but never forget that your wrinkles are beautiful and aging is a wonderful thing 🙂 

Every product tells us about the benefits of various ingredients, and we hear more and more about ceramides. But what exactly are ceramides, and how do they benefit our skin?

In this article, we explain their structure, how they work, and their benefits for our skin. We also reveal how ceramides can be used in your skincare routine to achieve plumper, more hydrated skin, whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or oily. 

Ceramides are among the miracle ingredients; it's time to incorporate them into your daily routine for radiant and balanced skin!

 

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Ceramides: What are they?

Skin acts as a protective shield against external aggressors, moisture loss, and irritants. It is structured in several layers, each with its own role.

The epidermis, the outermost layer, is itself made up of several layers, including the stratum corneum, which is in direct contact with our environment.

It is primarily composed of dead cells, lipids, and enzymes, all essential for the skin's protective barrier function.

Ceramides are among these lipids naturally present in the stratum corneum.

 

How do they work?

 

Ceramides act as key elements in maintaining the integrity of our skin barrier.

They seal the spaces between the cells of the stratum corneum to maintain the skin's hydrolipidic balance, ensuring optimal hydration and preventing irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin.

Cell renewal is a key process for healthy skin. Ceramides help regulate this process. When ceramide levels are balanced, they promote regular skin cell turnover, contributing to smooth, radiant, and well-hydrated skin.

Furthermore, ceramides promote cell regeneration, reduce skin aging, and help repair damage, thus contributing to healthier, softer, and more resilient skin. 

Dry hair can also result from a lack of ceramides, leading to a loss of moisture and suppleness.

If they are already present in the skin, why use cosmetics concentrated with ceramides?

The decrease in natural ceramides is a sign of aging, exposure to environmental factors (sun, wind, etc.), and external aggressions. Therefore, using cosmetics concentrated with ceramides is beneficial for several reasons.

• To compensate for the loss of these essential lipids. By applying ceramide-rich products to the skin, we provide an additional supply to strengthen the skin barrier and improve the skin's protective function.
• Ceramides found in cosmetics have a stable structure and can therefore be better absorbed into your skin's layers than other compounds or ingredients. 
• Cosmetic products rich in ceramides can be combined with other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, moisturizers, and soothing agents. These combinations help maximize skin benefits, providing deep hydration, restoring the skin's natural radiance, and offering additional cell repair.

Where do ceramides used in cosmetics come from?

Ceramides used in cosmetics can be either synthetic or natural. Synthetic ceramides are typically created in laboratories through controlled manufacturing processes. These synthetic ceramides are designed to have a structure similar to natural ceramides found in the skin, allowing them to provide similar benefits when applied topically.

On the other hand, natural ceramides can be extracted from plant or animal sources. 

Plant sources rich in ceramides include oats, rice bran, wheat germ, soy, sunflower seeds, and legumes.

As for animal sources, these are typically eggs or pig skin extracts. 

Due to ethical concerns and the growing demand for vegan products, many brands are opting for plant-based ceramides. 

Pay attention to what some brands say; if you want to avoid using pork-based skincare, choose vegan brands!

 

Which products contain ceramides? 

You can find ceramides in many cosmetic products tailored to different needs. 

They are found in daily products such as makeup removers and cleansers for clean, healthy skin, balms, and also certain hydrating day creams, nourishing creams, and beauty creams to enhance your skin.

For those who enjoy exfoliants, there are exfoliating products containing ceramides to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin.

Some products are designed for more specific needs, such as anti-aging treatments to combat signs of aging, anti-spot creams for an even complexion, or eye contour creams to soften this delicate area.

Hydrating masks enriched with ceramides provide an intense dose of hydration for plumped and revitalized skin. They come in convenient bottles or single-dose formats, offering easy and hygienic application.

For men's faces, ceramides are also found in aftershave products to soothe irritated skin. Soothing aftershave gel-creams containing ceramides offer a light and refreshing texture, ideal for daily hydration.

If you are looking for plant-based products, there are organic products containing ceramides that respect your skin while providing the necessary benefits. Some sun protection products also include ceramides. However, it's important to remember that so-called 'organic' products are not necessarily from eco-responsible production.

 

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What benefits for your skin type?

Ceramides do not discriminate and benefit all skin types, regardless of color, texture, or specific needs.

• For 'normal' skin types

You're in luck! Having little to no imbalance is rare. Ceramides will provide balanced hydration, keeping your skin soft, supple, and radiant.

By strengthening the skin's barrier, they help protect the skin from external aggressors, preserving its health and natural radiance. 

• For Oily Skin

Ceramides might seem counter-intuitive, but they play an important role in maintaining your skin's moisture balance. They help regulate excess sebum, which can reduce the appearance of excessive shine. By strengthening the skin barrier, ceramides also help protect the skin from external aggressors and prevent irritation. No more shiny skin at 6 PM after work!

• For Dry Skin

Dry skin often lacks lipids, leading to dehydration and a tight feeling. Ceramides are essential for restoring hydration and suppleness to your dry skin. By strengthening the skin's barrier, they help retain moisture and prevent excessive water evaporation, leaving skin soft, smooth, and nourished.

• For Sensitive Skin

Generally, ceramides are well-tolerated by sensitive skin. By strengthening the skin barrier, ceramides help soothe and protect sensitive skin from external aggressors (for example, harsh cold weather). However, since everyone reacts differently to ingredients, it is recommended to perform a patch test before using products containing ceramides.

• For Mature Skin

As we age, the natural production of ceramides decreases, contributing to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Using products containing ceramides can help strengthen the skin's structure and improve its firmness. Ceramides also help replenish essential lipids that diminish with age, which prevents dehydration and gives mature skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.

• For Combination Skin

Ceramides offer valuable benefits for combination skin by balancing skin hydration, regulating oil production in oilier areas while hydrating drier areas. This leads to more even skin, less prone to excessive shine and dry patches, for a balanced and healthy appearance.

For everyone, ceramides help protect the skin against external aggressors like pollution and free radicals, while promoting cell repair and soothing skin irritations – all things we love!

 

How to Incorporate Ceramides into Your Beauty Routine? 

Adopting a complete routine with ceramide-based skincare can do wonders for your skin. Start your facial ritual by gently cleansing your face with a mild cleanser or a lightly exfoliating foaming gel. This will remove impurities and oils, preparing your skin to absorb the ceramides in the following products.

Next, apply a ceramide-rich cream using light circular motions to stimulate circulation and help the ceramides quickly penetrate your skin. This step deeply nourishes and hydrates, while giving your complexion a natural healthy glow. Your skin will then be ready for makeup. 

In the evening, after removing your makeup, apply a ceramide-based night cream to revitalize and regenerate your skin while you sleep. Its light texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and nourished, ready to wake up radiant.

By following this complete morning and evening routine with ceramide-based skincare, you provide your skin with the essential benefits for a healthy, nourished, and radiant appearance.

How to Optimize the Effects of Ceramides?

When it comes to optimizing the benefits of ceramides, it's beneficial to combine them with other skin-friendly ingredients. Here are some that can enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic products:

• Hyaluronic acid

It is a powerful moisturizer that retains water in the skin and helps maintain good hydration. When combined with ceramides, it can enhance the moisturizing effect by providing deep and long-lasting hydration to the skin.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals. Combining Vitamin E with ceramides helps strengthen the skin barrier and prevent signs of premature aging.

• Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that helps improve skin texture, regulate oil production, and reduce the appearance of pores. In combination with ceramides, it can help balance hydration levels and promote healthier, smoother skin.

• Allantoin

Allantoin is a soothing ingredient that helps calm skin irritations and promote healing. When combined with ceramides, it soothes and repairs the skin barrier, while improving skin tolerance.

• Licorice Extract

Licorice extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. By combining it with ceramides, it reduces redness, irritation, and skin discomfort, leaving skin calm and balanced.

You can also find certain plant oils (such as argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil), shea butter, aloe vera, chamomile, and more.

But be careful! These ingredient combinations depend on your skin's specific needs and the desired results. Don't start mixing ingredients like a little chemist, as this could ruin all your efforts! It's always recommended to consult a dermatologist's advice or choose products formulated by expert brands that combine the different ingredients in their formulas.