No matter what your beauty goals are, having healthy skin goes a long way. Ceramides for skin are currently the preferred ingredient in the skin-care industry. But what are these ceramides in skincare precisely, why are they important, and how should they be applied?
Ceramides are lipid molecules that are crucial to the structure and barrier function of the skin, preventing moisture loss and defending the skin from the harsh effects of the environment. Ceramide levels in the skin drop with age, despite the fact that the body creates them.
Ceramide deficiency can cause various problems, such as drier, more sensitive skin. To restore skin health, people can apply ceramide cream or ceramide moisturiser for oily skin or they can take supplements. According to some research, these can enhance skin health.
Read on to find out more about the ceramides benefits and their potential side effects on the skin.
Ceramides Skin Benefits You Should Know About
There are many benefits of ceramides for skin health. Let’s have a look at some of them below:
1. Maintaining Skin Barrier
Ceramide deficiency in the skin can be brought on by both the natural ageing process and excessive use of abrasive soaps or exfoliants.
Ceramide levels drop, which compromises the skin’s stratum corneum, or outer protective layer, allowing for the development of minute fissures. Infection and skin inflammation may be more likely to occur as a result of this skin barrier damage. Replenishing lost ceramides helps to keep the skin barrier healthy and functioning properly.
2. Boosting Hydration
Ceramides for skin can lock in moisture and boost hydration. Dehydration can cause skin to become dry and develop cracks.
Transepidermal epidermal water loss (TEWL) can result from a weakened skin barrier. The amount of water that evaporates from the skin’s surface after passing through the epidermis, a layer of the skin, is referred to as this water loss. TEWL can cause the skin to become dry and inflamed, increasing the probability that inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, acne, and eczema will appear.
According to some research, ceramide moisturisers for oily skin may be able to reduce the dryness and irritation these treatments cause in patients’ skin. The skin’s overall appearance and feel are enhanced by increased hydration, which also helps in softening and smoothing the skin.
3. Rejuvenating Ageing Skin
Our skin changes as we age because structural proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin are lost. This causes skin to become thinner and develop apparent ageing symptoms like wrinkles, creases, and sagging along with other processes that contribute to the breakdown of the skin barrier.
Ceramides for skin are water-retentive and stop moisture loss. A properly hydrated skin can help reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, which are frequently more apparent when the skin is dry.
4. Protecting Against UV Damage
90% of visible skin changes like wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentary changes are caused by exposure to sunlight and UV radiation. Dermatologists call this photoaging, because it is the direct outcome of lifetime exposure to sun damage.
According to a 2021 study, wearing sunscreen and moisturiser with ceramide helps shield skin from UV rays that could harm the skin’s protective layer. The products also help reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, support healthy cell turnover, and enhance skin moisture.
Potential Side Effects of Ceramides for Skin
For the most part, topical ceramides are safe for the majority of people, effective for most skin types, and unlikely to have any negative side effects. However, people should be aware that some cosmetic products commonly include other ingredients in addition to ceramides.
Therefore, it is advisable to perform a patch test before applying it on your face, as with any new addition to a skin care routine. Dab a small amount of substance into the skin and watch it for 24 hours to see whether there is any reaction.
Ceramide dietary supplements may lead to allergies owing to the presence of gluten, soy nuts, or seafood.
Sources of Ceramides
Unlike synthetic ceramides, which can be found in skin care products, natural ceramides are found in the skin. Ceramides from plants are chemically related to skin ceramides and can support them. Here are some foods that contain ceramides:
- Wheat
- Rice
- Corn
- Sweet potato
- Soybean
Skin Care Products with Ceramides
Various skin care products that contain ceramides are:
- Moisturisers
- Cleansers
- Serums
- Toners
Conclusion
Ceramides are lipids that are essential for the structure of the skin. They enhance the barrier function, helping to stop moisture loss and maintaining the skin’s hydration and suppleness. The skin barrier shields the body from infections, irritants, and toxins in the environment. As a result, if it is impaired, infections and other skin diseases may develop.
Ceramides are invariably lost as people become older. However, dietary supplements or topical ceramide creams can be used to increase ceramide levels. These products might improve barrier function, increase hydration, shield the skin from UV radiation, and revitalise ageing skin.
Ceramides are usually safe. They are not anticipated to have any negative side effects. However, before using, consumers should do a patch test on a small patch of skin to see if they are allergic to any of the product’s ingredients.
