It’s fairly common to see the word “ceramides” among the ingredients in your skincare products. Yet not everyone knows what they actually are. It might surprise you to learn that over 50% of your skin is naturally composed of ceramides!
What are ceramides? Our bodies naturally produce them. Ceramides are a lipid found in the topmost layer of your skin and act as a protective glue, binding your healthy skin cells into a moisture-sealing shield that also prevents pollutants from penetrating. However, aging, seasonal and temperature changes, UV exposure, environmental pollutants, products containing harsh ingredients, and other impurities all deplete your skin’s natural ceramide stash.
The ceramides formulated in skincare products, which can be derived from plants or lab-made, have shown to mimic the real thing. Here are 3 ways ceramides benefit your skin:
- Ceramides protect your natural skin barrier: Healthy, supple, and glowing skin starts with an optimal skin barrier. When compromised, it rolls out the red carpet for acne, inflammation, wrinkles, discoloration, and skin damage. Maintaining hydration in the skin barrier makes it harder for invaders like free radicals, bacteria, and pollutants to permeate, weaken, and damage your skin.
- Ceramides can help reverse the signs of aging: Moisture loss is one of the culprits responsible for accelerating the appearance of lines, wrinkles, thinning, and sagging. Ceramides lock moisture in and prevent it from evaporating, keeping your skin bouncy, plump, smooth, and youthful-looking.
- Ceramides are soothing: Dry, dehydrated, and cracked skin can feel uncomfortable, itchy, tight, inflamed, or all of the above. Moisture loss can even trigger skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. According to research, ceramides keep the peace by helping your skin barrier retain moisture and soothe the many discomforts of dry, irritated, or reactive skin.
To replenish your skin barrier with ceramide-enriched skincare, there are many products formulated with ceramides to choose from, including cleansers, toners, serums, masks, and even anti-aging moisturizers. Our own REFRESH Jade Purifying Cleanser includes the hydrating and protective superpowers of plant-based Ceramide NP to help replenish any moisture that might evaporate during your face-washing ritual, as well as preserve the benefits of the other ingredients, including purifying Clean Jade+Water, soothing Green Tea, antioxidant-rich Korean Angelica, cleansing and moisturizing Propolis, and balancing Lotus Flower.
Now that you have a better understanding of why ceramides make the perfect companion on your journey towards a clear, ageless, glowing complexion, try incorporating ceramide-enriched products into your daily skincare routine!
-The Aloisia Beauty Team
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