Ceramides are a very versatile active ingredient that are found naturally in all layers of the skin. These are essential lipids that are responsible for uniting cells to form a protective barrier against external agents that can affect the skin. However, although these fatty acids constitute almost 50% of the skin’s composition, this percentage tends to reduce over the years.
There are different types of ceramides, but we can identify them as such to all those that contain the word “sphing” in their assets. Ceramides of natural or synthetic origin are a common ingredient present in serums, toners and cleansers, highly compatible with other active ingredients, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid or peptides. But what are the cases in which a moisturizing cream with ceramides prescribes the best treatment? Below, we compile the main benefits of this ingredient.
Dry skin requires a strict routine with specific care to strengthen skin hydration. Creams with ceramides help to unite the cells of the stratum corneum – the most superficial layer of the epidermis -, together with cholesterol and fatty acids, to protect and ensure its integrity. These are products with emollient properties, with a creamy texture, ideal for deeply hydrating the skin.
Furthermore, creams with ceramides have no contraindications for use. They can be applied both day and night and are highly compatible with countless products with moisturizing and antioxidant properties. They should be applied after cleansing, toner and serum, and before photoprotective lotion.
Ceramides form a kind of intercellular ‘cement’ sheets that hydrate, restore and maintain the appearance of the skin, in addition to preventing dehydration. That’s why they are also a common ingredient among anti-aging creams.
Factors such as age (after 30, ceramides are no longer produced by themselves), stress or sun exposure alter the skin’s natural protective barrier, which promotes greater dryness and the formation of wrinkles. Thus, creams with ceramides will help you fill in wrinkles, prevent expression lines and recover the elasticity, luminosity and firmness of your facial skin.
Ceramides are effective for the treatment of sensitive skin or skin with atopic dermatitis. Likewise, the entry of external polluting agents such as ultraviolet radiation can lead to greater dryness, redness and irritation of the skin. Luckily, ceramides have anti-inflammatory properties capable of maintaining the skin’s protective barrier and combating these effects.
Who would have thought that lipids also had benefits for oily skin? The truth is that acne-prone skin has greater transdermal water loss, so ceramides help hydrate the skin and balance moisture levels.
