CERAMIDES: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR IN COSMETICS?

The importance of Ceramides in our skin.

Ceramides are one of those components that are part of the cosmetic products we use in our daily lives, but we are often unaware of their benefits.

In recent years it has become one of the main ingredients in all kinds of creams in the cosmetic world.

However, ceramides are a family of intercellular lipids, with the passage of time our skin loses these ceramides. and therefore detracting from the elasticity of our face. Just like many of our ingredientsis also used to diminish those annoying expression lines.

Ceramides in cosmetics: What are they used for?

Thanks to myelin, a substance that coats the cell membrane of neurons, they are important for the brain and nervous system development.

However, they have become famous for their potential benefits to the skin. In cosmetics, ceramides are used to help mature, dry and dehydrated skin:

• Create a barrier to prevent permeability, locking moisture inside the skin, which helps prevent dryness and soothe irritation.
• Protect the epidermis of adverse environmental factors.
• Minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What are the properties and benefits of ceramides in the skin?

The main cosmetic properties of ceramides are anti-inflammatory, moisturising, emollient and regenerating.

Thanks to these properties, ceramides can help to:

Protect and moisturise the skin

As we age, our skin can become more permeable and loses its ability to retain enough moisture to keep it hydrated.

This happens precisely because of a decrease in the natural ceramides present in our skin. In fact, people with eczema or psoriasis have less ceramides in the skin.

However, by adding this substance to the skin on a regular basis, we can strengthen our skin's protective barrier and improve moisture retention.

As a result, we enjoy a more elastic, brighter and younger looking skin.

Prevent skin ageing

Without sufficient moisture and a protective layer to defend the skin from adverse environmental factors, the skin deteriorates rapidly, resulting in dry, mature skin.

Therefore, ceramides act to preventing the appearance of wrinklesfine lines or crows feetwhich would leave us with a dull and deteriorated appearance.

Strengthening hair

Ceramides act as a conditioning agentThe hair shaft is strengthened and nutrients are locked inside.

If your hair is very dry or damaged, using shampoos and conditioners with ceramide can help improve its appearance and make it stronger.

What are the contraindications and side effects?

Topical ceramides are generally safe and there is insufficient scientific evidence detailing possible adverse reactions and contraindications.

That said, whenever you use a substance for the first time, it is a good idea to test a small area of your body to see how your skin reacts.

To try a new ingredient on your skin, you can:

• Apply a hazelnut or pea-sized amount of product to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours.
• If you start to feel redness, itching or other irritation, wash the affected area and stop using the product immediately.
• Finally, if you do not feel any side effects, the product should be safe to apply to another area of the body.

In any case, do not hesitate to get your dermatologist's approval if you have skin problems or are very sensitive.

Do ceramide products work?

Once you have chosen the right product for you, be patient. Like any new skincare product, ceramides can take time to show results.

While creams and lotions may have an immediate moisturising effect, their anti-ageing effects may take weeks to show.

You may begin to notice firmer, smoother skin within a few days. three to six months of constant use.

Sources:

Lueangarun, Suparuj et al. "The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment." Dermatologic therapy vol. 32,6 (2019): e13090. doi:10.1111/dth.13090

Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine, 2006

Draelos, Zoe Diana. "The effect of ceramide-containing skin care products on eczema resolution duration." Skin vol. 81,1 (2008): 87-91.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/