When it comes to moisturizing your skin, ‘Ceramides’ is the word you will hear a lot, and correctly so. It is one of the most common skin-friendly ingredients on the market. Let’s cave into the world of ceramides and find out why they are glorified.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides are fats or lipids that cover the skin and prevent it from dryness and irritation. They link with other important molecules to promote cellular function.
Ceramides help produce a barrier that locks moisture into your skin and prevents dryness and irritation. It protects the epidermis from environmental damage. Their benefits include anti-aging effects. Dry skin makes fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. By locking moisture in the skin, Ceramides minimize their appearance.
Types of Ceramides
Ceramides are of two types– natural ceramides and synthetic ceramides. Like collagen and hyaluronic acid, ceramides are also found naturally in our skin cells. These natural ceramides can also be found in the skin cells of animals such as cows and plants.
Synthetic ceramides are man-made. These are also known as ‘pseudo-ceramides’ and these are more stable compared to natural ceramides. Synthetic ceramides are used in skincare (especially, face moisturizers) and makeup for topical application.
Why does our skin require extra Ceramides?
Our skin contains natural ceramides but they get lost over time which results in dry and itchy skin. This can be balanced by using moisturizers containing ceramides.
It is very important to have ceramide moisturizer, especially for dry skin types.
Ceramides play an important part in improving your skin’s health:
- They keep the skin immune and shield the top layer of the skin from any external damage.
- They also ensure there is elasticity in the skin to prevent aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and any uneasy tightness on the skin.
- Ceramides also shield your skin against any antigens and irritants by battling them off on the top layer itself.
- They relieve troubles associated with extremely dry skin by repairing the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture, and keeping the skin soft.
- Protection against environmental damage.
- Improve the health of the skin cells.
Check Out: SkinQ’s Moisture Balm hydrates, soothes, and repairs dry, dull, and dehydrated skin. You can find the potent ingredients that a dry skin moisturizer should have: ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, and shea butter. If you are looking for a ceramide moisturizer to treat your dry and flaky skin, this is the one you must try.
Which skin type benefits from Ceramides?
Since Ceramides are naturally present in the skin, they are an ideal ingredient for all skin types. Even sensitive and acne-prone skin types reap benefits from using ceramides. However, it is a holy grail for dry skin types. Dry, dull, and flaky skin benefits the best from using ceramide-based products.
How often can you use Ceramides?
The best thing about using ceramides is that you cannot overdo it. You can use a ceramide moisturizer once or twice a day. If you are someone with dry skin, you can reapply as much as it is needed. There is no harm in using ceramides often.
Which ingredients do Ceramides work well with?
Ceramides are said to work very well with antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, glycerine, and peptides. Ceramides are also known to enhance the benefits of Vitamin C.
You can also use it with your AHA or BHA exfoliant. The exfoliant removes the layer of dead skin cells, making way for ceramides to work better on clean skin.
Conclusion
Now that you know what your dehydrated skin is missing, don’t wait any longer. Immediately add a ceramide moisturizer or serum to your skincare routine. With religious use of ceramides for about 1-3 months, you can see anti-aging benefits and smoother, plumper skin.