While we love innovations in skincare and all the fancy new acids are fun to try, sometimes the answer lies in being old-fashioned. Ceramides, which are technically just fat, are a popular skincare ingredient, but very few know that your skin also naturally makes them. They function as the building blocks of your skin, sealing the cells together in order and preventing essential hydration from leaking out. They are, therefore, the compounds largely responsible for keeping your skin looking plump and fresh!
So, why do you need to invest in the ingredient if your body is already producing them? Well, turns out, the ceramide production in your body significantly reduces as you age. Plus, when used in skincare, ceramides can help improve the texture and look of your skin; sometimes even replacing other anti-ageing staples like retinol — which can be too harsh for some people. Wanna know how exactly ceramides help your skin? Scroll down to find out…
Benefits of ceramides for skin
Some of the most sought-after benefits of ceramides for skin are as follows:
- According to studies, you tend to lose 40% of your skins’ ceramides by the time you reach 30. Such a loss is directly related to thinning of the skin and early appearance of fine lines. Thus, using ceramides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to a great extent.
- Maintaining ceramide levels in the skin strengthens its defence system against external factors like pollution and environmental aggressors. It does so by minimising transepidermal water loss from the skin.
- An ideal ceramide level in your skin protects against common skincare mistakes made by you, like skipping sunscreen on busy days or accidentally over-exfoliating your skin.
- Lipid boosting ceramides are gentle on your skin and can be used every day, and at any time of the day. They don’t sensitise your skin like other compounds and are positively allergy-free!
How to use ceramides for skin
Unlike many other active ingredients, ceramides used in skincare (both synthetic and plant-derived phytoceramides) are identical to what is naturally produced by your skin. Look for them in the serums, moisturisers, essences, masks or treatments for your skin. Ceramide-based cleansers might sound like a good idea, but won't work as well since you’ll just be washing them away. Ceramides interact well with other skin-barrier building compounds (like cholesterol and other fatty acids). So, go ahead and upgrade your skincare routine by adding ceramidea without worrying about it adversely reacting with other products.
Written by Sumona Bose on Oct 13, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!