Few things can compromise a supple, radiant complexion like dry, itchy, irritated skin\u2014and few ingredients are as potent in fighting it as ceramides. Keep reading this complete guide on ceramide skincare\u2014and the role it plays in scoring plump, unlined and hydrated skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ceramides are long-chain lipids, or fatty molecules, that compose nearly half of your skin\u2019s topmost layer.,<\/sup> Working in concert with proteins like elastin and collagen, as well as cholesterol and free fatty acids, ceramides operate to give your skin structure and protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to shielding your skin from everything from environmental pollutants to frigid winter temps, they lock in moisture for bouncy, radiant skin. <\/p>\n\n\n Ceramides are broken down into two categories: Those we naturally produce and synthetic ceramides (also known as pseudoceramides). Made up of a chain of carbon atoms and amino acids, they\u2019re further organized into 12 unique types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick glimpse at your skincare products can reveal if any of these appear, and that is<\/em> essential if you\u2019re on the hunt for a pliant, lovely complexion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The top layer of your skin, or your epidermis, encounters a tremendous amount daily\u2014primarily germs, bacteria, dirt, allergens, pollution, free radicals and elements ranging from wind to rain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramides attach to other fatty acid components to keep these threats from entering your body and bloodstream (more or less) <\/em>and from wreaking havoc internally and <\/em>externally. At the same time, they work to retain moisture to keep your epidermis right where it needs to be: nourished and well-watered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to collagen and elastin, however, the ceramides we organically produce decline with age. Some research shows that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without that protection and hydration, skin may become vulnerable to a host of problems, namely parched, tight, and itchy skin, thinner skin and lack of flexibility, as well as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The organic changes in life aren\u2019t the only reason for a diminished ceramide level. Sun damage, psychological stress, diet, seasonal shifts, over-exfoliating, hot showers and chemical irritants can all accelerate the process.,<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pseudoceramides work to fill in this gap. Specifically, everything from moisturizers to serums may be a boon in terms of:<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n Dry skin condition doesn\u2019t just take away from your skin\u2019s elasticity\u2014it can also be downright uncomfortable. A randomized controlled trial found that using a ceramide-infused moisturizer twice a day was more effective in reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to a hydrophilic cream.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ceramides\u2019 hydrating powers may also be taken up a notch when paired with the following:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n With their potential to keep full, moist and healthy skin, ceramides may further enhance your skin texture and glow. In fact:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Also promising? Topical ceramides might have the ability to promote the production of keratin, a protein in your skin (and hair) that\u2019s key to its structure, firmness and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n Ceramides make up approximately 50% of your skin\u2019s barrier. When ceramide levels shrink, your skin\u2019s capacity to shield you from smog, tobacco smoke and other common hazards falters. In turn, your skin may be subjected to oxidative environmental stressors and the collagen breakdown it creates, potentially resulting in:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Topical ceramides may help repair the integrity of your skin\u2019s outermost layer. In fact, research indicates that applying certain forms of ceramides for 21 days may substantially decrease moisture loss and restore both balance and skin barrier function\u2014giving your skin a fighting chance against damage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n While there may be 12 chief forms of ceramides, the ones to pay attention to for the issues above include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find them in several products, including serums, creams, cleansers and toners. Also, the product you ultimately select needn\u2019t be restricted to your complexion: Body lotions may be equally beneficial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, incorporating oils known for their hydrating properties (read: the benefits of prickly pear seed oil) can enhance skin health, moisture and antioxidant defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sold on the idea of weaving ceramides directly into your daily regimen? Consider these top suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given that we naturally generate ceramides, they may be optimal even for those who have sensitive skin and for daily application; that said, you may want to consult with your derm about the best ceramide products and combinations for your particular skin type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, consider doing a patch test and waiting 24 hours to test for a reaction before applying it elsewhere on your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts also suggest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you do skip your ceramides in the morning? Be sure to use it at night<\/a> when your skin performs the vast majority of its repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramides help prioritize ample skin hydration and healthy skin barrier protection by supplementing your natural ceramide production. Pair with practicing a healthy, happy lifestyle for amazing skin from the inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n References for this information:<\/em><\/strong> What are ceramides and how do they benefit the skin? Few things can compromise a supple, radiant complexion like dry, itchy, irritated skin\u2014and few ingredients are as potent in fighting it as ceramides. Keep reading this complete guide on ceramide skincare\u2014and the role it plays in scoring plump, unlined and hydrated skin. Understanding ceramides Ceramides […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":12701,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1719346452:21"],"_edit_last":["21"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":["12702"],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Explore what ceramides are and how they benefit your skin with Murad. Our guide reveals why ceramides are the key to moisturizing and protecting your skin."],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["60"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"post_views_count":["7662"],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["what are ceramides"],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["81"],"_thumbnail_id":["12701"],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["What Are Ceramides & How Do They Benefit Skin | 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ceramides work in the skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ceramides and the skin barrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of ceramides as a skincare ingredient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choosing and using ceramide-infused products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tips for incorporating ceramides into your routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protect your skin barrier and your skin health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies<\/em>, 2020, volume 20, issue 26<\/a>
Cleveland Clinic website<\/em>, Skincare & Beauty<\/a>
Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago website<\/em>, A guide to ceramides<\/a>
WebMD website<\/em>, Healthy Beauty<\/a>
Cleveland Clinic website<\/em>, Skin<\/a>
Healthline website<\/em>, Skin Care<\/a>
Mayo Clinic website<\/em>, Diseases & Conditions<\/a>
Health website<\/em>, Skincare<\/a>
Everyday Health website<\/em>, Healthy Skin<\/a>
Dermatologic Therapy<\/em>, 2019, volume 32, issue 6<\/a>
Michigan State University websit<\/em>e, What Are Occlusives?<\/a>
Everyday Health website,<\/em> Skin & Beauty<\/a>
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology,<\/em> 2021, volume 20, issue 4<\/a>
Medical News Today websit<\/em>e, Benefits of ceramides for skin<\/a>
Healthline website<\/em>, Skin Care, Climate change on skin<\/a>
International Journal of Molecular Sciences<\/em>, 2023, volume 24, issue 11<\/a>
Healthline website,<\/em> About peptides<\/a>
Harvard Health website<\/em>, Vitamin C and skin health<\/a>
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology<\/em>, 2019, volume 12, issue 9<\/a>
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"