If ever there was a fabric that gained widespread popularity this year it would have to be denim. Denim has taken 2023 by storm and infiltrated the hearts of fashionistas everywhere.  Renowned for its durability and versatility, denim is used to create everything from clothing, shoes, accessories, and even furniture. It's no wonder why    this heavy-duty fabric has moved from casual street style to high fashion runways.

Denim has its roots in a lesser known fabric called dungaree, which has been produced in India for hundreds of years. The word ‘dungaree’ originates from the Hindi word ‘dungri’ which a thick hard wearing fabric produced in the region of Dongri, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).

It was introduced to the Western world by traders during British colonial rule, and made its way to Europe. The fabric quickly gained traction and was used for various purposes, including workwear. By the late 19th century, dungaree became associated with labourers and known as the fabric for the ‘working man’ (e.g manual labourers and those with industrial occupations) because of its sturdiness.  

The fabric that is affectionately known today as denim was created in Nîmes, France sometime in the 17th century. It was originally called “serge de Nîmes” after the French city. But as its popularity ensued and time went on, “serge de Nîmes” was eventually shortened and replaced by the word “denim”.

​Denim soon began to replace dungaree as the choice fabric for workwear, and gained global prominence. The famous fabric  became wildly popular in the United States, where the first pair of jeans was created by a German known as Levi Strauss in the mid 19th Century. Over the years denim has transitioned from being a durable fabric essentially used for workwear to  one associated with casual, easy to wear fashion.

Sometime around the mid 20th century denim made its first fashion debut. It became insanely popular amongst youth subcultures and counterculture movements in the 1960’s and 70’s as a symbol of rebellion because of its ruggedness. 

Judging by the crucial role serge de Nîmes played in the evolution of denim and how it is worn today, it’s clear that this humble fabric of has come a long way since the 17th Century. Denim has stood the test of time, making a fascinating transformation from a modest fabric worn by workers to a well renowned fashion staple. 

Fast forward to 2023. Denim  continues to grace the runway with creative deconstructed looks, oversized silhouettes, and skirts of maxi-length proportions. Here are a few of the Beauty Disruptor's top picks for this season. 

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?

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.  
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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.

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:

• Moisture Retention: Ceramides bind themselves to other lipids in the skin which form a protective barrier, prevent water loss, hydrate and also plump the skin. 
• Protection:  Ceramides work by building a protective barrier on the skin’s outer layer. This protective barrier shields the skin from pollution and harmful UV rays. 
• Strengthening:  A well functioning skin barrier is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier, improve skin health, and decrease skin sensitivity. 
• Anti-aging: Ceramides are a wonderful anti-aging ingredient.  The ceramide levels in the skin decline with age, leading to water loss, dehydration and signs of aging. Adding ceramides to your skincare regimen can reduce water loss, and minimise the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. 

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.

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 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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.