When it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin, there's a crucial ingredient that should be on your radar: ceramides. These natural lipids play a vital role in maintaining your skin’s barrier and keeping it hydrated and protected.
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What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are fatty acids (lipids) found in skin cells and are found in approximately 50% of your skin's composition. These lipids play an important role in retaining moisture and providing a protective barrier against environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.
If your skin goals have anything to do with improving and strengthening your skin barrier, ceramides are the ingredient to look for and learn about.
Ceramides for Sensitive and Acne Prone Skin
Sensitive skin often has a compromised barrier, making it more prone to irritation and redness. Ceramides help to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing sensitivity and providing a protective shield against environmental aggressors such as sun damage (UVA and UVB), air pollution/poor air quality, and really hot or really cold temperatures . Ceramides also have great anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin. They help in reducing redness and discomfort associated with sensitive skin.
Ceramides are also generally non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores. This makes them suitable for acne-prone skin, which requires hydration without exacerbating acne. Acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can weaken the skin barrier and cause dryness and irritation and ceramides can help to repair and maintain the barrier, mitigating the side effects of these treatments, keeping the skin balanced. For acne prone skin, it’s common to have oily skin, and ceramides actually help with that. By maintaining the skin's natural barrier, ceramides help regulate oil production. Plus, ceramides have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce this inflammation that comes with acne and soothe the skin.
A Deeper Look into the Benefits of Ceramides
Moisture Retention
Ceramides are essential for preventing TEWL which stands for trans-epidermal water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and plump. This is especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Mechanism : Ceramides fill the gaps between skin cells in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, creating a seal that locks in moisture
Clinical Evidence : Studies have shown that applying ceramide-containing products can significantly improve skin hydration levels.
Skin Barrier Protection
A strong skin barrier is your first line of defense against irritants and pathogens. Ceramides help reinforce this barrier, reducing the risk of irritation and infection.
Mechanism : By replenishing the lipid matrix, ceramides strengthen the skin's natural barrier, making it more resilient to external stressors.
Clinical Evidence : Research indicates that ceramide levels are often depleted in conditions like eczema and psoriasis, highlighting their role in skin barrier integrity.
Anti-Aging Properties
As we age, our skin's natural ceramide levels decrease, leading to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Replenishing ceramides can help maintain a youthful appearance by smoothing and firming the skin.
Mechanism : Ceramides help to maintain the skin's structural integrity, preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
Clinical Evidence : Regular use of ceramide-containing products has been associated with reduced appearance of fine lines and improved skin elasticity.
Repair and Recovery
Ceramides can aid in the recovery of compromised skin barriers, making them beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Mechanism : Ceramides enhance the skin’s ability to heal itself by restoring the lipid balance necessary for effective barrier function.
Clinical Evidence : Patients with eczema who use ceramide-rich moisturisers often experience reduced symptoms and improved skin condition.
Enhanced Efficacy of Other Products
By maintaining a healthy skin barrier, ceramides can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of other skincare products in your routine.
Mechanism : A healthy barrier allows for better penetration of active ingredients, ensuring they reach deeper layers of the skin.
Clinical Evidence : Studies suggest that ceramide-enriched formulations can improve the overall effectiveness of combined skincare regimens.
Choosing the Right Products
When selecting ceramide-infused products, look for those that list ceramides prominently on their ingredient list.
Pro tip: The higher the ingredient is on the list, the higher the concentration it is in the overall formula.
Common ceramides to look for include Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, and Ceramide NS. Additionally, consider products that combine ceramides with other beneficial ingredients like cholesterol, fatty acids, and niacinamide, which can work synergistically to enhance their effectiveness.
Ceramide NP : Helps to reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Ceramide AP : Known for its anti-aging properties and ability to smooth fine lines.
Ceramide EOP : Essential for repairing and restoring damaged skin.
Ceramide NS : Provides significant hydration and barrier support.
Here are our recs:
Multi Active Treatment Essence
CeraVe PM Facial Lotion
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Face Mask
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment
Recommended Ingredients to Pair with Ceramides
Niacinamide : This anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening ingredient works well with ceramides to improve skin texture and reduce redness.
Hyaluronic Acid : Provides additional hydration and helps plump the skin, enhancing the moisture-retention benefits of ceramides. Other derivatives include Sodium Hylauranate
Glycerin : A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, working synergistically with ceramides to keep the skin hydrated.
Allantoin : Calms and soothes irritated skin, promoting healing and skin barrier repair.
P.S
MATE has all of these in just one product
"I am so thankful to have come across this product. This is a company that has done its research, and continues to do so, to deliver a balanced product for people like me with acne-prone skin. A week after using the product, my acne started subsiding wo new ones coming out. More importantly, my skin barrier didn't feel compromised like other AHA/BHA products for acne skin. I have to add though, that I also changed my moisturiser and hydrate my skin regularly through what I eat, and through masking, to achieve this results. Beda will continue to be part of my skincare routine!"
On top of ceramides, our signature community built formula aims to provide 7 skin correcting benefits in just one simple step that is gentle and non-irritating to specifically solve the concerns of us beda girls with sensitive acne-prone skin.
From healing properties in chamomile to learning more on the efficacy of different AHAs and BHAs, transparency and education is a priority, and we go into detail with our ingredient highlights so that you are well aware on the ingredients lovingly chosen for our formula.
Our Beda philosophy is to have a simple, gentle and well rounded approach to improving the skin and health as both are interconnected and affect each other.
Improving your body internally significantly impacts your skin, and we have an abundance of Beda Recipes to check out.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating ceramides into your skincare routine can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Your skin will be hydrated without irritation as ceramides provide deep hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin types that need moisture without the risk of breakouts. Perfect for those in the Positively Sensitive Club.
Remember, consistency is key—make ceramides a regular part of your routine and enjoy the benefits of stronger, healthier skin.
With love,
Alia
