Ingredient in Focus – Ceramides

You might often read the word ceramides on your beauty products. But did you know that the skin produces them too? Ceramides are lipid molecules present in the skin that play a vital role in protecting the skin against damage from pollutants and UV rays. Ceramides also prevent moisture loss, which keeps the skin hydrated.

So, what are the benefits of ceramides present in beauty products? The answer is simple. As you age, the levels of ceramides decrease, causing dryness and sensitivity. So, how do you replenish the ceramides and what products are best for you? Let’s find out about this from this article.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are lipid molecules made up of sphingosine and fatty acid. These lipids are found naturally in the cells of your skin, and they make up around 30–40% of your outer skin layer or the epidermis.

Ceramides have always been known for their role in the development of the nervous system and the brain. In recent times, the interest in this substance has increased, especially in the beauty industry because of ceramide benefits.

What are the benefits of ceramides?

Apart from the ageing process, constant exposure of the skin to sun and pollutants reduces ceramide production. Without ceramides, your skin will crack and dry out. The cracks expose the skin, making it vulnerable to allergens and toxins. This makes ceramide products a beauty essential. The different ways in which ceramide benefits your skin are listed below.

1. They boost hydration

As ceramides lock in moisture, they keep your skin hydrated. Transepidermal water loss occurs when the skin’s barrier is compromised. The moisture passes through the epidermis and into the atmosphere. This causes dryness and inflammation.

The use of ceramide creams can decrease this moisture loss considerably, keeping the skin hydrated. Another ceramide benefit is that it boosts barrier function. Ceramide for skin that is best for hydrating your skin is DermDoc Ceramides, Squalane & Vitamin E deep moisturising crème body lotion. This ceramide lotion has three amazing moisture-boosting ingredients (ceramides, squalane, and vitamin E), giving your skin long-lasting nourishment. As this ceramide moisturiser is lightweight, it is absorbed quickly into your skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Recommended Product: DermDoc by Purplle Ceramides, Squalane & Vitamin E Deep Moisturising Creme Body Lotion

Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5

Net volume: 200ml

2.  Improves skin barrier function

Apart from ageing, the use of harsh chemicals in beauty products and soaps can cause ceramide loss. With reduced ceramide levels, the protective skin barrier is compromised. Tiny cracks that are invisible to the naked eye may appear. This breakdown of the skin’s outer layer makes it vulnerable to moisture loss and infections.

Ceramide for skin products replenishes the molecules, keeping the skin barrier functioning properly. The skin-hydrating product that can be used for maximum ceramide benefits is DermDoc Skin hydrating cellulose fibre sheet mask.

Sheet masks are a crucial skin-protecting aid. They form a protective barrier on the skin, keeping environmental stressors such as impurities and dirt at bay. As this barrier raises the skin temperature slightly, it improves blood circulation to your skin. These masks are excellent ceramide for skin products.

Recommended Product: DermDoc by Purplle Ceramides Sheet Mask

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 20ml

3. Ceramides can rejuvenate ageing skin

Structural proteins such as elastin, keratin and collagen reduce as you age. Due to this ageing process, the skin’s barrier is affected, leading to visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. As ceramides can retain water, moisture loss is prevented. When your skin is hydrated, the fine lines and sagging are minimized, giving you a youthful appearance.

Certain ceramide moisturisers can encourage the production of keratinocytes, a substance that makes keratin. Keratin aids in the rejuvenation of the skin barrier, thereby slowing down signs of ageing.

4. Ceramides protect against UV rays

UV rays can increase visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles. As the major cause of ageing is UV exposure, ceramide sunscreens are the ideal way to combat sun damage. Dermatologists often refer to skin damage due to UV rays as photoaging.

5. Ceramides may prevent breakouts

Acne not only affects how you look but can also affect your self-esteem. There are many factors responsible for acne breakouts. One of the reasons is a reduced ceramide 3 content in your skin. When ceramides are replenished, they improve the function of the skin barrier in people prone to acne breakouts.

6. Combats skin inflammation

As ceramides improve skin moisture and hydration, they improve skin irritations and inflammations. As dryness reduces, redness and itch reduce, cutting down on the chances of inflammation.

7. They balance the pH level

A pH level of around 5.5 is ideal for happy and healthy skin. Studies show that ceramide moisturisers can keep the skin’s pH level stable for up to 24 hours.

How many types of ceramides are there?

Depending on the sphingosine form and fatty acids that bind them, there are 12 types of ceramides, named ceramide 1 to ceramide 12. Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II are the three main ceramides that are used for skincare. Depending on the use and the brand, the manufacturer may use a combination of the three in their formula.

Ceramides for skin can be natural or synthetic. Natural ceramides are present in animals such as cows, plants, and the outer layer of your skin. They can also be found in corn, rice, wheat, soy, and sweet potatoes.

Synthetic ceramides, on the other hand, are man-made. They are popularly used in skin care products because they are more stable and contaminant-free when compared to natural ceramides.

Ceramides are sourced from sphingosine, a chain of carbon atoms with amino acids attached to them. However, it does not make a difference whether you use natural or synthetic ceramides as your skin will get replenished with both.

Do ceramides have side effects?

As ceramides are produced naturally in the skin, they are safe for all skin types. This is especially true for people with very dry skin, even flaky eczema skin. When ceramides are applied topically, they help heal the cracks in dry skin and create a smooth skin barrier. This helps reduce moisture loss and cuts down on skin irritation.

However, beauty products are made using several ingredients apart from ceramides, so it is best to do a patch test before you use any beauty product.

Things to keep in mind when using ceramides

• Like any other beauty product, how you use it and when is vital. Let’s check out some tips on using ceramides for skin care.
• You can use it post a shower as a moisturiser or at bedtime.
• Depending on your product, it is best to apply it to your skin twice a day.
• The levels of ceramides decrease as you get older. To make absorption of the ceramide product easier, pick a product such as DermDoc 2% Hyaluronic acid face serum. This hydrating serum is lightweight and absorbed easily.
• Pick the right beauty aids such as toner, serum, and moisturiser for your beauty care, as they supplement the natural ceramide in your skin.

Conclusion

Ceramides are the best way to tackle anti-ageing and dryness as they are produced naturally in the skin. As the levels of ceramides decrease with age, it is essential to get them from moisturisers and toners. To be on the safe side, it is best to read the fine print on the product before making your purchase.

Read more:
- What Are Ceramides? Skin Benefits & Uses