Ceramides: What Are They? And How Can They Improve Your Skin?
Ceramides are all the rage when it comes to skincare. They’re laden in popular moisturisers and are boasted about by social media influencers and dermatologists. So, what are they and how can they improve the look and feel of your skin?
What are they?
Ceramides are naturally-produced lipids (fatty acids) found in high concentrations in the skin. They make up over 50% of the skin’s composition and play an essential role in maintaining a healthy barrier to protect the skin from dehydration, and external irritants, and seal in moisture.
Their growing use in skincare is attributable to their proven ability to enhance the skin’s appearance, promoting a firm and plump complexion. A lack of ceramides compromises the skin’s barrier function, which can lead to conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
What benefits do ceramides have for the skin?
A randomised double-blind study consisting of 50 male and female participants aged between 18 and 63 years tested a ceramide-enriched cream against three other popular moisturisers and a placebo. It was found that a single topical application of the ceramide cream significantly increased skin hydration up to 24 hours after use, compared to the other three moisturisers. The placebo had no effect. Further, transepidermal water loss was significantly decreased after application.
In other words, topical application of ceramides protects the skin barrier, improves hydration and prevents water loss, encouraging plump, smooth and firm skin. This is extremely beneficial for those targeting signs of ageing, as fine lines, uneven texture and dryness are common manifestations of dehydrated skin and transepidermal water loss.
How to increase ceramides in the skin.
Like many other good things, ceramide levels decrease as we age. After the age of 20, roughly 1% of ceramides are lost per year. While we can’t stop ageing, there are a few things we can do to prevent excessive loss. These include:
Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamin c, soybeans, brown rice and sweet potatoes
Moisturise daily with ceramide-enriched creams or lotions
Avoid over-exfoliating to protect the skin’s barrier
Minimise exposure to external irritants like cigarette smoke
Protect the skin from UV rays with a SPF 50+ sunscreen
Hydrate from the inside! Drink at least 8 cups of water per day
If you’re looking to improve your skin's appearance and enhance your skincare routine and habits, get in touch. I’d love to work with you!
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References
Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American journal of clinical dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
Mutanu Jungersted, J., Hellgren, L. I., Høgh, J. K., Drachmann, T., Jemec, G. B., & Agner, T. (2010). Ceramides and barrier function in healthy skin. Acta dermato-venereologica, 90(4), 350–353. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-0894
Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 491–497. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177697
