Please Note: This Is An Affiliate Ad Ceramides are known for being a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to improving the skin’s moisture barrier. With increasing popularity on the beauty scene, ceramides have found their way into a vast number of skincare formulations. It’s fair to say that products containing ceramides are pretty much commonplace, as they have started to grace our store shelves more and more. But what are ceramides, and how are ceramides used? WHAT ARE CERAMIDES?Ceramides are fatty acid that are actually found in the skin. This complex family of lipids is scientifically known as sphignolipids, and make up part of the skin’s outermost layer. Without an adequate amount of ceramides, the skin’s moisture barrier is compromised. They play an essential role in building a protective barrier, restoring the moisture content, protecting against environmental aggressors, and reducing the signs of aging. It’s important to know that the ceramide content in our skin diminishes over time. The natural production of ceramides starts to decline around age 20, and continues at a loss of 1% per year according to scientific evidence. Fortunately for us, our ceramide levels can be restored by topical treatments of synthetic ceramides found in skincare products. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CERAMIDES?Ceramides are an essential ingredient in skincare, especially when it comes to aging skin and maintaining a healthy moisture barrier. When the skin’s ceramide levels are disrupted it can lead to a host of problems such as premature aging, and environmental damage which can cause dryness and irritation. Here are some of the main ways ceramides benefit the skin:
THE BEST PRODUCTS WITH CERAMIDESTHE BEST SHEET MASK When it comes to sheet masks, this product gets a 10 out of 10. The Ceramidin Facial Barrier mask by Dr. Jart+ is a moisturizing sheet mask that contains ceramide NP, panthenol and glycerin. This mask helps to relieve dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. THE BEST OVERALL This silky, lightweight cream by BeautyStat goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin moisturized. Great for all skin types, this 24 hour hydrating cream is packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and promises renew dull, dehydrated skin. THE BEST BUDGET The Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment is a great option for those on a budget, or who want to test out ceramides without making a huge investment. This product has a 3% blend of ceramides and contains 2.5% multi-molecular hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, leaving your skin intensely hydrated and plumper by morning. THE BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN RNW Der. Special Ceramide Cream is free of parabens, artificial colors and fragrances making it a great option for sensitive skin types. It contains 5 types of ceramides, 3 types of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and oligopeptide-1. This lightweight, creamy moisturizer absorbs quickly and won't leave any sticky residue. THE BEST NIGHT CREAM If you're looking for a night cream that will enhance your youthful appearance, then this is the cream for you. This nourishing yet hydrating ceramide cream boosts moisture levels and targets the visible signs of aging. It contains a complex cocktail of ceramides, cell repairing peptides, antioxidants, retinol and hyaluronic acid that work specifically on rejuvenating the skin during the nighttime hours. Results can be seen in as little as 7 days. THE BEST CLEANSER If you want a gentle yet effective cleanser that hydrates, Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser is probably your best bet. This ultra nourishing cleanser breaks down dirt and oil while protecting your skin barrier at the same time. It contains a tri-ceramide complex along with licorice root, and green tea extract for a brightening and conditioning effect. THE BEST ANTI-AGING Avène has created an anti-aging balm that hydrates, defines the facial contour, and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This lipid-replenishing balm deeply nourishes the skin and is proven to provide 48 hours of hydration while protecting the skin barrier. Best for mature, aging, and dry skin types. THE BEST BODY LOTION If you're looking to remedy your dry skin problem then try Amlactin Rapid Relief. This lotion helps restore dry, cracked and flaky skin. Formulated with 15% lactic acid, vitamin E, and three ceramides to relieve dryness. It works. well on aging skin, ashy or acute dry skin. THE BEST FOR DRY SKIN Considered to be the saviour of all face creams, Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a God send for dry skin sufferers. Rich in ceramides, this miracle cream also contains hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and a special blend of 6 African oils. This cream will increase your skin's hydration levels when used consistently. THE BEST SERUM This skin-soothing serum made with ceramide-5, rice milk, allantoin, and antioxidant rich avocado soothes irritation and reduces redness caused by dehydration and a compromised skin barrier. Clinically proven to reduce redness over time, this serum works to restore the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
Growing up I always heard the phrase, "prevention is better than cure". My father is a medical doctor, and he probably said this at least once a day. My brain was naturally programmed to prevent things before they actually happened. Coupled with the fact that I was raised around extremely glamorous women who spent a fortune on skincare and looking after themselves, it was only logical that I combine the two perspectives. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to skincare. From the very beginning my approach to skincare has been preventative. Take care of yourself now, look good later. There's no sense in waiting until your skin has problems, before you start taking care of it. First and foremost, I've always used sunscreen. I really started using sunscreen in the late 1990's - early 2000's. I can't remember the actual date, but it's been part of my skincare regimen for over two decades. I remember seeing an article in Elle Magazine about the damage UV rays can cause to skin. I was absolutely horrified to see what people's skin actually looked like using UV photography. I was amazed by all the hidden sun damage that the UV photos revealed. When I was in my late teens - early twenties, I had a pretty basic skincare routine that consisted of about six products that I used on a consistent basis: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, mask, scrub and eye cream. From time to time I would additional products to combat acne or hyper pigmentation if needed. Once I got to my late twenties, I implemented a really good moisturizer that I used both night and day. As I reached my thirties, I started investing in night creams for more hydration. By the time I reached my late thirties, I added serum for an extra boost of hydration. Keeping the skin well hydrated is essential if you want it to remain supple and avoid fine lines prematurely. By the time I reached forty one, I had officially graduated to the world of retinoids. As we age, cellular turnover decreases. Retinoids help to give the skin a boost by increasing cellular turnover. I use a retinoid based serum at least three nights a week. Now at the ripe age of forty six, people always me, "what are you using?" I've had a pretty consistent skincare regimen throughout the years. I've always had a natural approach to skincare, avoided doing too much, but carefully observing how my skin changed over time. The human body changes every decade or so, as well as your skin. The skin you have in your teens is not the same as the skin you have in your twenties, nor the same as the skin in your thirties or forties. This is why it's important to adjust our skincare regimen every so often to keep abreast of these changes, because the products that worked for us in our twenties will not work for us when we reach our forties. Genetics play a huge part in aging gracefully. It's also important to keep in mind that all DNA was not created equal. There are people out there who have "super genes", and age incredibly slowly. That said, you cannot rely on DNA alone. There are three other factors to keep in mind: diet, lifestyle, and melanin. Diet is important for your overall health, not just anti-aging. As the saying goes, "you are what you eat". Avoiding consuming certain foods that age you can help to keep you looking younger for longer. Your lifestyle choices play a big part as well. Choosing a healthy lifestyle over destructive habits will help you retain that youthful glow that people often lose over the years. And lastly, melanin plays a huge role in the aging process. People with darker skin tones tend to age slower. Having more melanin can help delay the signs of aging. Melanin can provide some protection against wrinkles and skin cancer. But that doesn't mean people with heavily pigmented skin do not age quickly or get skin cancer either. It's always a good idea to keep these four factors in mind when creating a skincare regimen. By sticking to a consistent skincare routine right from the start that is suited to your skin type, a healthy lifestyle, and clean diet, you'll be able to have youthful looking skin for longer. I am a firm believer in preserving what you have. It's worth it to invest in your skin, because prevention is better than cure. |