What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are fats, or lipids, found in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of our skin (called our epidermis). It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of our skin is composed of ceramides. Ceramides perform a vital task, creating a protective barrier on the skin, preventing water loss, and restricting the entry of external stressors. Basically, ceramides help the skin function properly, working to protect and restore the skin barrier. Skin barrier protection is arguably their most important quality, as a healthy barrier keeps skin looking and feeling hydrated and radiant.
What Do Ceramides Do for Skin?
Ceramides perform beautiful and necessary tasks for our skin. They’re incredibly beneficial when added to everyday skincare products and have been shown to increase hydration and soothe irritation. They strengthen the skin barrier, prevent dehydration, and inhibit moisture loss.
Ceramides in Skincare
If skin is already partly ceramides, why do we need ceramide-based products? Unfortunately, our natural reserve of ceramides decrease with time and is especially depleted by several factors, including aging, sun exposure, and environmental damage. This decrease in our natural ceramides can leave skin looking dull, dehydrated, and visibly worn.
Who Can Benefit from Ceramides?
The more apt question is “Who can’t benefit from ceramides?” Because ceramides are naturally occurring in our skin and begin decreasing around the age of 20, almost everyone can benefit from ceramide-boosted skincare products. They’re safe for all skin types, pair well with all ingredients, have no side effects, help prevent dehydration, and are naturally skin-strengthening.
There are skin types that might especially appreciate ceramide in skincare though, including dry, dehydrated, and aging skin. For aging skin, ceramides can increase the skin's moisturization levels and have been shown to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Ceramide Skincare Products
Consider adding a ceramide-boosted moisturizer or treatment to your skincare routine, which can help to protect skin from dryness and irritation, plus maintain skin’s overall health. Here is one of our favorite ceramide skincare products.
Consider the Indigo Overnight Repair, which is a cushiony cream that visibly calms irritation, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and balances the skin’s natural microbiome. The formula proudly includes a hefty dose of ceramides to keep moisture in and pollutants out, as well as aid in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. After just a single night of use, the treatment has been shown to improve skin’s radiance, softness, and suppleness, as well as improve texture and tone.
