Why use ceramides to help your skin?

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

We try a multitude of products, from day creams to serums to masks, in the hope of finding the key to a less dull, smooth complexion and delaying the signs of aging - but never forget that your wrinkles are beautiful and aging is a very good thing 🙂 

Every product sells us the benefits of different ingredients, and we're hearing more and more about ceramides. But what are ceramides really, 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 routines to achieve plumper, hydrated skin, whether you have dry, sensitive or oily skin. 

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

 

Click here to discover our plumping cream, concentrated in ceramides and adapted to your skin type!

What are ceramides?

The skin is 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 horny layer, which is in direct contact with our environment.

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

Ceramides are among the 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 renewal, contributing to smooth, radiant, well-moisturized skin.

What's more, ceramides promote cell regeneration, reduce skin aging and help repair damage, contributing to healthier, softer, 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 with a ceramide concentration?

The depletion of natural ceramides is a sign of ageing, exposure to environmental factors (sun, wind...) and external aggressions. Using cosmetics concentrated in ceramides is therefore beneficial for several reasons.

• Compensating for the loss of these essential lipids. By applying ceramide-rich products to the skin, we provide an extra boost to reinforce the cutaneous barrier and improve the skin's protective function.
• Ceramides contained in cosmetics are structurally stable and can therefore be better absorbed into your skin's layers than other compounds or ingredients. 
• Ceramide-concentrated cosmetics can be combined with other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, moisturizers and soothing agents. These combinations maximize skin benefits, offering deep hydration, restoration of the skin's natural radiance, and additional cellular repair.

Where do the ceramides used in cosmetics come from?

Ceramides used in cosmetics can be of synthetic or natural origin. Synthetic ceramides are generally created in laboratories through controlled manufacturing processes. These synthetic ceramides are designed to have a structure similar to that of the natural ceramides present in the skin, enabling them to deliver similar benefits when applied topically.

On the other hand, naturally-occurring 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.

Animal sources are generally eggs or pigskin extracts. 

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

If you want to avoid using skincare products made from pork, choose vegan brands!

 

What products contain ceramides? 

Ceramides can be found in numerous cosmetic products adapted to different needs. 

We find them in everyday products such as cleansing milks and cleansers for clean, healthy skin, balms, or even certain moisturizing day creams, nourishing creams and beauty creams to sublimate your skin.

For exfoliation enthusiasts, there are exfoliating products containing ceramides to gently remove dead cells and reveal brighter skin.

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

Moisturizing masks enriched with ceramides deliver a dose of intense hydration for plump, revitalized skin. They come in practical bottles or single-dose formats, for easy, hygienic application.

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

If you're 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 contain ceramides. However, it's important to remember that "organic" products are not necessarily produced in an eco-responsible way.

 

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What are the benefits for your skin type?

Ceramides don't discriminate, and all skin types, of every color, texture and specificity, can benefit.

• For "normal" skin

You're in luck! Having little or no imbalance is a rare commodity. Ceramides will provide you with balanced hydration to keep them soft, supple and luminous.

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

• For oily skin

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

• For dry skin

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

• For sensitive skin

Ceramides are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin. By reinforcing the skin barrier, ceramides help to soothe and protect sensitive skin against external aggressors (e.g. cold weather). However, as everyone reacts differently to ingredients, we recommend that you carry out a patch test before using products containing ceramides.

• For mature skin

As we age, natural ceramide production declines, contributing to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Using products containing ceramides can help strengthen skin structure and improve firmness. Ceramides also help to replenish essential lipids, which decline with age, helping to prevent dehydration and thus give mature skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.

• For combination skin

Ceramides provide valuable benefits for combination skin by balancing skin hydration, regulating sebum production in oilier areas while moisturizing drier ones. The result is more even skin, less prone to excessive shine and dry patches, for a balanced, healthy appearance.

For all of you, ceramides help protect skin from external aggressors such as pollution and free radicals, while promoting cellular repair and soothing skin irritations - everything we love!

 

How do you incorporate ceramides into your beauty routine? 

Adopting a complete routine with ceramide-based skin care products can do wonders for your skin. Start your facial ritual by gently cleansing your face with a mild exfoliating cleanser or foaming gel, to remove impurities and grease and prepare the skin to absorb the ceramides present in the following products.

Next, apply a ceramide-rich cream in light circular movements to stimulate circulation and help it penetrate the skin quickly. This step deeply nourishes and moisturizes, while adding a natural healthy glow to your complexion. At last, your skin is ready for make-up. 

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

By following this complete routine morning and night with ceramide-based skincare products, you'll give your skin the essential benefits it needs to look healthy, nourished and radiant.

How to optimize ceramide action?

When it comes to optimizing the benefits of ceramides, it's worth combining other ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. Here are those 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, 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. The combination of vitamin E and ceramides helps strengthen the skin barrier and prevent the signs of premature aging.

• Niacinamide

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

• Allantoin

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

• Liquorice extract

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

Also included are certain vegetable oils (argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, etc.), shea butter, aloe vera, chamomile, etc.

But be careful! These combinations of ingredients depend on your skin's specific needs and the results you're looking for. Don't try to mix and match like a little chemist, which could ruin all your efforts! It's always advisable to consult a dermatologist or choose products formulated by expert brands that combine different ingredients in their formulation.