The benefit of ceramides in skincare
Posted by Nathalie W. on 10th Feb 2022
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are a type of lipid - a group of fatty acids which are naturally produced in our bodies. Ceramides are a crucial ingredient which help us to support and maintain healthy-looking skin but like collagen, this powerful ingredient depletes as we age. Therefore, choosing skincare products which have been formulated with synthetic ceramides can help to support our natural levels of these fatty acids which decline as we get older.
How do ceramides benefit the skin?
They provide lasting hydration: Our skin loves ceramides! These fatty acids work like a protective shield, supporting your skin’s barrier for optimum health. In turn, this enforced barrier helps to lock in moisture, giving our hydration levels a helping hand in order to ward off any irritation and maintain comfort. Those with dry and dehydrated skin types will love skincare containing ceramides, feeling a noticeable difference as their lipid levels are replenished.
They strengthen the skin barrier: With ceramides guarding our skin, we are protected against environmental damage, pollution and bacteria from entering the epidermis. A compromised skin barrier can cause a range of inflammatory skin conditions which is why people with eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and acne should consider adding ceramides to their skincare routine. These synthetic ceramides boost your natural levels and work as a defense to soothe any irritation.
They combat aging: Those concerned with anti-aging will benefit from ceramides included in their skincare too. A lack of ceramides in mature skin can cause the skin to appear dull and dry, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible. As the ceramides help to achieve a plumper, hydrated complexion, you will keep visible signs of aging at bay. Premature aging caused by environmental factors such as pollution will be warded off, thanks to the ceramides protecting and reinforcing the skin’s barrier.
What other active ingredients can I combine ceramides with?
Retinol
Due to the incredible moisture boosting properties, ceramides are a welcome addition to other active ingredients within your skincare routine, boosting the efficacy of the products. We all know the powers of retinol as an anti-aging superhero - helping to prevent and reduce fine lines whilst boosting our collagen levels for firm, youthful skin. As retinol works by increasing our cell turnover rapidly to reveal fresh skin, this can cause our complexion to become dry, dehydrated and even peel. Therefore, combining ceramides gradually with your retinol product as your skin adapts, can be the perfect solution to combating irritation. With the powerful addition of ceramides, your skin’s moisture levels will be boosted, and irritated skin will be soothed.
Chemical exfoliants
If you like to use chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs, you can get even more effective results by using these alongside ceramides. As these acids work by peeling the layers of your skin, it will allow the moisture boosting, skin protecting ceramides to work even better as dead skin cells won’t be obstructing their benefits. The amazing properties of the ceramides will be able to absorb more easily into the skin giving you even better results.
Vitamin C
Slather on the ceramides after applying your Vitamin C to reinforce your skin’s barrier even further and protect against external aggressors even more. Vitamin C and ceramides work together to turn back the clock, helping to support your skin as it ages to make wrinkles less visible.
Other ingredients
Due to their soothing and hydrating benefits, ceramides are best friends to many of your favourite skincare ingredients. There’s strength in numbers too when you combine ceramides with similar ingredients such as cholesterol, glycerine, Vitamin E, niacinamide and amino acids.
Which skin types can use ceramides?
As ceramides occur naturally in the body, all skin types can benefit from their magic! As mentioned above, those with dry or dehydrated skin types and those concerned with aging will love the moisture-boosting qualities ceramides in your skincare provides. Those with irritated, sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema could immensely benefit from the skin barrier boosting properties. Even ‘’normal’’ skin types will benefit from this gentle ingredient which is tolerated by everyone and safe enough to use around the delicate eye area. We all inevitably age, thus naturally lose ceramides naturally as time goes on, making it a key skincare ingredient for everyone to incorporate at some stage in their life!
Product recommendations
We’ve tried and tested the very best skincare products containing ceramides for you below. Give them a try and enjoy hydrated, protected and soothed skin!
Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Concentrate Cream
This nourishing, hydrating moisturiser contains a ‘capsulised ceramide complex’, helping to maintain the skin’s moisture levels. This hypoallergenic formula is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, power-packed with gentle ingredients which help to soothe the complexion. Instantly absorbing into the skin, making it feel comfortable and hydrated all day long thanks to the high concentration of ceramides.
This multi-purpose lotion is great to keep both your skin and body hydrated no matter the climate. Suitable for all skin types, this featherlight lotion provides a thin veil of protection over the skin with the powerful addition of ceramides. Dry and dehydrated skins will love this hydrating hero which instantly absorbs into the skin.
This soothing moisturiser is perfect to calm irritated skin whilst also combating dryness. Formulated with natural ingredients and highly concentrated ceramide capsules, this deeply hydrating cream is great for all skin types. Providing long-lasting comfort, the rich texture soothes, moisturises and protects the skin’s barrier all day long.
COSRX Lip Sleep – Balancium Ceramide Lip Butter Sleeping Mask
This rich, buttery lip mask is the perfect remedy for dry and chapped lips. Slathering this on overnight will ensure the delicate lip area benefits from the nourishing ingredients as you sleep. After applying this product your lips will feel beautifully soft, plumped and moisturised thanks to the key ingredients of shea butter and ceramide. You can even apply this product as a balm during the day for extra efficacy. Naturally-derived ceramides help to protect your lips from external aggressors day after day.