The quest for healthy, radiant skin is the goal 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 don't forget never say that your wrinkles are beautiful and that aging is a very good thing 🙂
Every product sells us the benefits of various ingredients and we hear more and more about ceramides. But what are ceramides really and how are they beneficial for our skin?
In this article, we explain their structure, their functioning and their benefits for our skin. We also reveal how ceramides can be used in your skincare routines to obtain plumper and hydrated skin, whether you have dry, sensitive or oily skin.
Ceramides are one of the miracle ingredients, it's time to integrate them into your daily routine for radiant and balanced skin!
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What are ceramides?
The skin is a protective shield against external aggressions, loss of hydration and irritants. It is structured in several layers, and each has its own role.
The epidermis, the outermost layer, is itself composed of several layers, including the stratum corneum, which is in direct contact with our environment.
It is composed mainly of dead cells, lipids and enzymes, which are essential for the protective barrier function of the skin.
Ceramides are one of the lipids naturally present in the stratum corneum.
How do they act?
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, thus ensuring optimal hydration and preventing irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin.
Cellular renewal is a key process for healthy skin. Ceramides help regulate this process. When ceramide levels are balanced, they promote regular turnover of skin cells, which contributes to smooth, radiant and well-hydrated skin.
In addition, ceramides promote cell regeneration, reduce skin aging and help repair damage caused, thus contributing to healthier, softer and more resilient skin.
Dry hair can also result from a lack of ceramides, leading to loss of moisture and suppleness.
If they are already present in the skin, why use cosmetics concentrated in ceramides?
The decrease in natural ceramides is a sign of age, exposure to environmental factors (sun, wind, etc.) and external aggressions. Using cosmetics concentrated in ceramides is therefore beneficial for several reasons.
- Compensate for the loss of these essential lipids. By applying products rich in ceramides to the skin, we provide additional support to strengthen the skin barrier and improve the protective function of the skin.
- Ceramides in cosmetics have a stable structure and can therefore be absorbed into the layers of your skin better than other compounds or ingredients.
- Cosmetic products concentrated in ceramides can be combined with other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, moisturizers and soothing agents. These combinations help maximize skin benefits, providing deep hydration, restoration of 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 origin or of natural origin. When it comes to ceramides of synthetic origin, they are usually created in the laboratory through controlled manufacturing processes. These synthetic ceramides are designed to have a similar structure to natural ceramides found in the skin, allowing them to provide 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.
As for animal sources, these are usually eggs or pig skin extracts.
Due to ethical concerns and the growing demand for vegan products, many brands are turning to plant-based ceramides.
Pay attention to the statements made by certain brands; if you want to avoid using care products made from pork, choose vegan brands!
In which products are ceramides found?
You can find ceramides in many cosmetic products adapted to different needs.
We find them in daily products such as make-up removing milks and cleansers for clean and healthy skin, balms, or even certain moisturizing day creams, nourishing creams and beauty creams to enhance your skin.
For scrub lovers, there are exfoliating products containing ceramides to gently remove dead cells and reveal brighter skin.
Certain products are adapted to more specific needs such as anti-aging care to combat the signs of aging, anti-spot creams for an even complexion or even creams for the eye contour to soften this delicate area.
Moisturizing masks enriched with ceramides provide a dose of intense hydration for plumped and revitalized skin. They come in practical bottles or in single-dose format, 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, 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 it with the necessary benefits. Some sunscreen products also include ceramides. However, it is important to remember that so-called “organic” products are not necessarily from eco-responsible production.
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What are the benefits for your skin type?
Ceramides do not discriminate and benefit all skin types, all colors, all textures and all specificities.
- For “normal” skin
You're in luck ! Having little or no imbalance is a rare commodity. Ceramides will provide you with balanced hydration, keeping them soft, supple and luminous.
By strengthening the skin barrier, they help protect the skin from external aggressions, thus preserving its health and natural radiance.
- For oily skin
Ceramides may seem counterintuitive to you, but they play an important role in maintaining your skin's moisture balance. They help regulate excess oil, which can help reduce the appearance of excessive shine. By strengthening the skin barrier, ceramides also help protect the skin from external aggressions and prevent irritation. No more shiny skin at 6 p.m. 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 your 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
In general, ceramides are well tolerated by sensitive skin. By strengthening the skin barrier, ceramides help to soothe and protect sensitive skin against external aggressions (for example, cold attacks). However, because everyone reacts differently to ingredients, it is recommended that you do a patch test before using products containing ceramides.
- For mature skin
With age, the natural production of ceramides decreases, which contributes 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 replenish essential lipids that decline with age which helps prevent dehydration and therefore gives mature skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.
- For combination skin
Ceramides provide valuable benefits to combination skin by balancing skin hydration, regulating sebum production in oilier areas while hydrating drier areas. This results in more even skin, less prone to excessive shine and areas of dryness, for a balanced and healthy appearance.
For all of you, ceramides help protect the skin against external aggressions such as pollution and free radicals, while promoting cellular repair and soothing skin irritations - everything we love!
How to integrate 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 gentle cleanser or lightly exfoliating foaming gel, to remove impurities and oils and prepare the skin to absorb the ceramides present in the following products.
Next, apply a cream rich in ceramides using gentle circular motions to stimulate circulation and help them penetrate the skin quickly. This step deeply nourishes and hydrates, while providing a natural healthy glow to your complexion. Your skin is finally ready to be made up.
In the evening, after removing your makeup, apply a ceramide-based night cream to revitalize and regenerate the skin while you sleep. Its light texture absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft and nourished, ready to wake up radiant.
By following this complete morning and evening routine with ceramide-based treatments, you provide your skin with essential benefits for a healthy, nourished and radiant appearance.
How to optimize the action of ceramides?
When it comes to optimizing the benefits of ceramides, it is interesting to combine other ingredients beneficial for the skin. Here are those that can improve the effectiveness of cosmetic products:
- Hyaluronic acid
It is a powerful moisturizer that retains water in the skin and helps maintain proper 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 skin against damage caused by free radicals. The combination of vitamin E with 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 oil 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 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 discomfort in the skin, leaving it calm and balanced.
We also find certain vegetable oils (argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, etc.), shea butter, aloe vera, chamomile, etc.
But beware ! These ingredient combinations depend on your skin's specific needs and desired results. Don't start mixing like a little chemist, which risks ruining all your efforts! It is always recommended to consult the recommendations of a dermatologist or to choose products formulated by expert brands that combine the different ingredients in their formulation.