As we age, our skin starts losing its luster and radiance, growing drier, rougher, and wrinkly with time. This is because of the continued damage from harmful external elements and free radicals on one hand, and due to the decreased capacity of your body to produce certain essential constituents of the skin in enough quantities on the other. One such crucial component of the skin whose production decreases over time is a lipid called ceramide.
What are Ceramides?
Ceramides are a kind of lipids that occur naturally in your skin. In fact, they constitute about 50% of your skin. Ceramides are important for maintaining the structural integrity of your skin and also for keeping its physical barrier intact.
When you are young, your body is able to produce enough ceramides to keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and protected. However, as you age, the amount of ceramide production as well as the quality of ceramides produced in the skin declines. This leads to damaged skin barrier, reduced integrity of the skin cells, and presents itself as wrinkles, dryness, rough skin, redness, and irritation. Ceramides used topically can effectively replenish this deficiency and significantly improve the appearance of your skin.
Nabia Moisturizing Face Cream with Cica, Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic Acid, Saccharomyces and natural lavender scent white, 1.69 Fl Oz
Nabia Plant-based Natural Face Wash with Vitamin C: Gentle and Clean Revitalizing Cleanser, 5.07 Fl Oz
Nabia Cica Serum- Less Visible Fine Lines & Wrinkles with Cica, white lavender, 1.62 Fl Oz
Benefits of Ceramides
Ceramides are present in the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, and act as a glue to hold the skin cells together and maintain the structural integrity of your skin. They also perform the function of maintaining the physical barrier of your skin, thus keeping out external harmful elements and sealing the moisture inside.
Since the quantity and quality of ceramides in the skin diminishes with advancing age, you may need to use ceramides in your skincare products so as to recharge the natural ceramide content of the skin that has been lost.
Ceramides seal the moisture within the epidermis, improving the skin’s moisture content and preventing skin dryness, keeping the skin supple and glossy. They are also effective in reducing inflammation and are beneficial in irritated skin and dermatitis.
Ceramides are effective in revitalizing the skin by regenerating the structural integrity of skin. Expect smooth, firm, and supple skin with reduced wrinkles and fine lines within a few weeks of using ceramides.
By strengthening the physical barrier of your skin, ceramides also protect your skin from external stressors like pollution or dirt, keeping it fresh and energized for longer, and diminishing the effects of aging due to these factors.
What Types of Skin are Ceramides Useful for?
Since ceramides are a natural constituent of your skin, they suit all types of skin, including dry, sensitive, or oily skins. If signs of aging have started to appear on your skin, you should consider incorporating ceramides into your skincare regime and observe the difference yourself.
How do I incorporate Ceramides into My Skincare Routine?
Ceramides are available as constituents of aging creams, serums, or moisturizers. They can, and should, be used in conjunction with other anti-aging products – like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, etc. – for enhanced complementary effect. When you exfoliate, do so before applying ceramides, as an exfoliated skin will be better at absorbing ceramides.
There are a variety of ceramides, derived from plants, animals, or manufactured synthetically. The most effective are the ones that are identical to the ones found in your skin.
In a Nutshell
Ceramides are a natural constituent of your skin that help in keeping it smooth, hydrated, and protected. However, since the production of ceramides declines as you age, you need to provide ceramides to your skin with your skincare products in order to keep your skin smooth, glossy, and youthful.