Ceramides, What?

Did you know that your skin contains fatty acids? Have any idea what those fatty acids are called?  Here it comes…  they are called Ceramides. What exactly are these little things and what do they do for your skin?

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats or lipids (fatty acids) that make up 30% to 40% of your outer skin layer, or epidermis.

Ceramides are important for retaining your skin’s moisture and preventing entry of germs into your body. Thus, it protects the skin and prevents it from dryness and infection. As you age your skin’s ceramide content decreases, which can then become dehydrated. You may develop skin problems such as dryness and irritation. 

According to WEBMD these ceramides that help make up your outer layer of skin,  play a key role in the first line of defense by protecting your body against external toxins and pollution. They also promote brain development and maintain cell function. 

They're often present in skin care products like ceramide moisturizers, creams, and serums,  -  all of which can help keep your skin healthy by increasing its ceramide levels.

Types of Ceramides

There are natural and synthetic ceramides. Natural ceramides are found on the outer layers of the skin, as well as in animals like cows. In addition certain plants and soy. 

Synthetic ceramides (also known as pseudoceramides) are man-made. Because they're free from contaminants and more stable than natural ceramides, synthetic ceramides are more commonly used in skin care products.

WEBMD explains, there are 12 different types of Ceramides. Each is determined by how the sphingosine (carbon atoms) are attached to the amino acid. This is only important to know as you are looking for Ceramides in some of your skin care products. 

What do Ceramides Do for the Skin?

WEBMD reports that ceramide levels decrease over time, making your skin dry. Studies have shown that dryness occurs due to decreased levels of ceramides 1 to 6 in your skin. Maintaining good levels of these  ceramides can offer many benefits for the skin such as:

• Improve the health of your skin cells

• Help create a barrier to prevent moisture from leaving your skin

• Prevent dryness and irritation by locking moisture into your skin

• Protect your skin from environmental damage

• Protect your skin from allergy and infection-causing germs like bacteria and fungi

• Promote anti-aging by keeping your skin moist and supple

You can hydrate and repair your skin's health using ceramide moisturizers, and serums. These products supplement your skin’s natural ceramide production. The added ceramide locks in the moisture and prevents it from escaping, making your skin soft, smooth, and healthy. 

Choosing the Right Ceramide Skin Care

Applying products with ceramide is beneficial for your skin, but it's important to choose the right product depending on your skin type. 

At Naturally You Aesthetics, we carry Skinceuticals and Epicutis Skin Care lines, both of which, contain ceramides that are designed to improve the overall health of your skin and optimize how you see your skin in the mirror.  Before using ceramide skin care products, talk to your Naturally You Aesthetics provider to learn about which ones will suit your skin best. For more information and a fun evening out - Attend our:

 Skincare Master Class - Click here to register

Wednesday, Apr 26, 2023| 5-7pm

Our representative from Skinceuticals will be there with her Skinscope to give you an analysis of your skin and to let you see what your skin is asking for? Is it asking for Ceramides?