If you think of your skin as a wall, ceramide is the cement that is responsible for holding it intact and keeping its barrier strong and impermeable. Ceramides are essentially waxy lipid molecules present in the skin. Did you know that although ceramides are mostly popular with respect to skin health, they are also essential components for the development of the brain and nervous system. This goes on to show the indispensable nature of this component. It is naturally found in our cells, but with age, the content of it slowly declines, necessitating an external supply of the same.
A reduction in ceramide levels often causes dry, flaky and sensitive skin. Ceramides make your skin plump, firm and healthy looking by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It is advisable to start using ceramides from early on so as to avoid developing skin problems as age progresses.
What are the functions of ceramides?
1. Revitalises ageing skin
Human skin is composed of essential proteins like keratin, collagen and elastin. With age, there is a gradual loss of these proteins from the skin, which leads to sagginess, dryness, increased thinness and development of fine lines and wrinkles; all of which are signs of ageing skin. Ceramides work wonders to slow down ageing skin because they possess water-retaining properties, helping to minimise water loss from skin. Research has found that ceramides also promote keratinocyte production, which produce keratin and thereby lead to younger looking skin. Overall, this helps with preserving the youth of your skin. Deconstruct Skin Soothe Moisturizer with Ceramides and Bisabolol could be your go-to for strengthening your skin barrier and also, smoothens your skin of wrinkles and fine lines, giving it a more youthful look.
2. Helps with hydration
The key to having good skin is to keep it hydrated, and that is where ceramides come in. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the migration of water from the epidermis of the skin to the outermost surface, is a leading cause of inflammation, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Ceramides have proven to be effective against TEWL, working to protect the skin from becoming dry and developing side effects as those mentioned above. Hydrated skin is also more soft and supple and thus, leaves you feeling way better and confident.The True Frog Sleeping Mask with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent solution to combating dry skin and preserving the structure of your skin. This plumping and intensely hydrating overnight face cream is perfect for sensitive skin as well.
3. Restores skin barrier
With our constant exposure to a number of chemicals and products, our skin barrier is prone to getting degraded over time. This leads to the formation of cracks and pores in the skin, making it easier for infections or inflammation to occur. Ceramides form the armor against such damage. And as we age, the quantity of ceramides keeps declining, making it necessary to supplement it externally. The Lisen Timeless Elegance Ampoule , composed of ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and adenosine, has been curated to re-establish damaged skin barrier, renew skin cells, remove dark spots, boost collagen synthesis and also, protect against sun damage. This all-in-one product is a holy grail for maintaining skin health.
4. Aids in sun protection
Majority of skin damage results from exposure to harsh sun rays, and the main culprit of this are UV rays. Scientifically, this is referred to as photoaging, and using sunscreen is the main mode of avoiding it. However, using ceramide-infused sunscreen have proven to be more effective against UV damage, all the while improving hydration, reducing hyperpigmentation and dryness, and also, maintaining normal cell turnover. The Conscious Chemist Clear Shield Sunscreen contains ceramide complexes that protect the skin against environmental stressors and also provides hydration.
Ceramides have become a game-changer in the skincare industry, with nearly all categories infusing the ingredient into them. Recently, the d’you In My Defence moisturiser, which is a ceramide-dominated moisturiser, came to light after Alia Bhatt revealed that it is her go-to moisturiser. It constitutes a patented 5 ceramide blend that uses 1% pure ceramides in combination with cholesterol and fatty acids. It can easily become your skin’s new best friend if you give it a try!
Overall, it can be said that ceramides are indispensable and even though they have been brought to our attention only recently, it does not mean that they should not be prioritised as the other active ingredients of our skincare routine. Start using ceramides as early on as possible and thank your younger self in the next few decades.
FAQs
1. How often should I use Ceramides?
It is advised to start slow, and then incorporate it into your daily routine as part of your normal skincare routine. You should ideally use it twice a day, day and night, to get the best results.
2. What is the appropriate age to start using Ceramides?
It is advisable to start using ceramides when your skin starts ageing, which is generally between your mid to late twenties. The sooner you start, the better the results you will see.
3. Are there any side effects of Ceramides?
Always do a patch test before using any product. It is also important to read the ingredient list before using a product. Ceramides can contain gluten, soy and fish ingredients, so if you are allergic to any of them, it is best to avoid this product.
4. What other active can I pair ceramides with?
Ceramides can be paired with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or glycerine to get even better results.
- Srishti Chakraborty
