What do ceramides do for your skin?

SadaNews - Before acquiring skin care products, it is advisable to carefully check their ingredients and ensure they contain effective and nourishing elements for the skin, foremost among which are ceramides. These fats play a crucial role in supporting the skin barrier, maintaining skin hydration, and protecting it from harmful environmental factors. In the following lines, we will review what ceramides are and their most important benefits for the skin, along with the significance of incorporating them into the daily care routine.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are natural lipids that make up about half of the lipids in the outer layer of the skin and are an essential component of the natural skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier. This barrier acts as a protective shield that prevents water loss and protects the skin from harmful external factors.

Ceramides act as the "cement" that binds skin cells together and fills the gaps between them, contributing to:

Maintaining skin hydration.

Reducing moisture loss through the skin.

Protecting the skin from pollutants and irritants.

Enhancing the cohesive structure of the skin.

Thanks to these functions, ceramides represent the first line of defense for the skin against dryness and damage.

As we age and are continuously exposed to pollutants and harsh climatic factors, the levels of natural ceramides in the skin decline. Excessive cleansing or using harsh products also accelerates this deficiency, leading to weakened skin barriers and symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and skin cracks. Hence, the importance of using skincare products rich in ceramides to compensate for this deficiency and support skin health is highlighted.

Proven scientific benefits of ceramide products

1. Deep hydration for the skin

The ability of ceramides to retain water within the skin is one of their most prominent benefits, as they help make the skin softer and more elastic and significantly reduce dryness. Unlike hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the skin, or glycerin, which reduces its evaporation, ceramides repair the internal structure of the skin barrier itself. Therefore, they not only provide temporary hydration but also address the root cause of skin dryness.

2. Reducing signs of aging

Over time, dry skin loses its elasticity, making wrinkles and fine lines more noticeable. Thanks to the role of ceramides in improving hydration levels and enhancing skin texture, they can help gradually reduce the appearance of these signs and give the skin a fresher and more youthful look.

3. Protecting the skin barrier and soothing inflammation

A weakened skin barrier makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation and sensitivity resulting from external factors. Ceramide products work to support and strengthen this barrier, increasing its resistance to irritants and helping to soothe redness and reduce irritation, even for those with very sensitive skin.

4. Suitable for all skin types

Unlike some moisturizers that may feel heavy on the skin or lead to clogged pores, ceramides are safe and suitable for most skin types, whether dry, oily, sensitive, or combination. This is because they mimic the natural fats present in the skin, replenishing and supporting them without forming an unnatural oily layer on the skin's surface.

5. Their importance in maintaining skin health

Studies indicate that low levels of ceramides in the skin are associated with the appearance of certain skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis, where the skin barrier is weak and more prone to damage. In these cases, products rich in ceramides help restore the natural function of the skin barrier, aiding in soothing the skin and reducing the severity of accompanying symptoms.

How to use ceramide-rich products

The skin's need for ceramides increases particularly when its natural barrier is weakened or depleted. This manifests in common situations such as feeling tight after washing the face, or recurrent peeling and irritation, in addition to periods of using retinol or exfoliating acids, which accelerate cell turnover but may temporarily weaken the skin barrier. The importance of ceramides is also highlighted during winter, or with continuous exposure to air conditioning, as well as during post-laser or therapeutic peeling sessions, where the skin is more sensitive and prone to moisture loss.

To achieve the best benefits from ceramide-rich products, it is recommended to incorporate them into the daily care routine correctly, as follows:

Immediately after cleansing: to compensate for the natural fats that may be removed by cleansers and help maintain the balance of the skin barrier.

Before or with moisturizer: to support moisture retention within the skin and reduce water loss through the outer layer.

With supportive moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, to enhance the skin's ability to retain water and achieve deeper and more sustainable hydration.

Within a regular morning and evening routine: to ensure continuous support for the skin barrier and enhance its ability to withstand dryness and environmental factors over time.

It is worth mentioning that ceramides are not just a superficial moisturizer, but a scientifically proven active ingredient in supporting the skin barrier, replenishing lost fats, and improving overall skin health, especially with age and excessive exposure to sunlight and harmful environmental factors. Therefore, do not hesitate to include ceramide-rich products in your daily skincare routine.

Source: Various websites