Ceramides - what are they, why do they play an important role and when is it worth using them?

What do you know about ceramides? Apart from the fact that they are always listed on skincare packaging and on every beauty brand's website as something your skin needs to be healthy?

If you focus on conscious care, you probably know what niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinol are, considering that ceramides constitute 50% of our skin barrier function, we encourage you to take a closer look at them today :)
Our skin is one of the largest organs in our body, acting as a filter against external bacteria, toxins and chemicals. It provides us with the insulation and temperature regulation that our bodies need. Our skin must remain strong and elastic to protect us from the outside world and aggressors. This is what ceramides are needed for. ceramides are made of.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides act as a water-lipid barrier and are often called intercellular cement. These are naturally occurring lipids (which are the building blocks of skin) produced by your skin. Ceramides make up about 50% of the lipids in this layer, with cholesterol and fatty acids making up the rest. Thanks to this barrier, they protect the skin against excessive water loss and improve its absorption, thus supporting proper skin hydration. Thanks to this, the skin is moisturized, smooth and healthy.

Why do we need ceramides?

Ceramides help the skin defend itself. The human body is approximately 70% water, but when we reach the surface it may be as little as 10-30%. Ceramides retain moisture and help keep the skin hydrated at all levels. By creating a barrier, this retains water and protects against environmental damage.

Your body produces ceramides naturally, but you must remember that their amount decreases over time. The amount may also decrease during seasonal changes, such as when the weather is really cold or hot, after a change in diet, or due to the overuse of strong facial cleansers or exfoliants. Low ceramide levels cause dehydration, skin irritation, and may even lead to more serious skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. It is worth remembering to supplement them.

Ceramide deficiency

Inappropriate care, which is dominated by irritating substances, may result in impaired ceramide levels. Washing the skin with preparations containing SLS or SLES, using acids without supporting the skin's hydrolipid barrier - all this may contribute to ceramide deficiency. Other causes of ceramide deficiency may occur during hormonal disorders or other skin problems such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hyperkeratosis, skin allergies.

Symptoms of ceramide deficiency:

• sallow skin without radiance,
• excessive dryness,
• peeling of the epidermis,
• occurrence of irritation and tightness,
• weakening of firmness

What are the benefits of ceramides?

Appropriate level of ceramides

- will provide smoother and softer skin,

- will bring the effect of dewy skin,

- guarantees firm and elastic skin

- Helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Where to find ceramides and how to use them?

Cream with ceramides is perfect for all skin types. Even properly moisturized skin will see the benefits of using these substances, in the case of dry and sensitive skin care - it is a must-have. Ceramides can be found in a variety of products such as serums and creams, as well as facial cleansers that help protect the natural protective barrier.

Importantly, they can be combined with:

-peptides,

-antioxidants,

-niacinamide

- retinol.

Perfect for use after AHA/BHA exfoliation to replenish hydration levels.

I guess you can read how #teamceramides we are from this article :) Let us know if you use ceramides in your skin care, and if not, have we encouraged you to use them?