Ceramides 101: The Key to Healthy and Radiant Skin

If you're like most people, you might not have heard of ceramides before, but trust us when we say that ceramides play a crucial part in your skincare routine. In this blog, we'll dive into all things ceramides, what they are, why they're important, and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine to achieve healthy, glowing & strong skin.

So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into the beautiful world of ceramides!

What are Ceramides? The Science-y bit.. 

Ceramides are a type of lipid, or fat, found in the skin that plays a crucial role in maintaining its health and appearance. They are a type of sphingolipid, a class of lipids that form a barrier that helps to retain moisture and protect against environmental damage. Ceramides are made up of a combination of fatty acids, cholesterol, and a molecule called sphingosine. As we age, the level of ceramides in our skin decreases, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Thus, ceramides are important for skin health as they help retain moisture, protect against environmental damage, and support the skin's overall health.

What is the skin's barrier?

The skin's barrier refers to the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, which acts as a protective barrier between the body and the environment. This layer of skin is composed of dead skin cells that are held together by a mixture of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. The skin's barrier helps to prevent the loss of moisture from the skin and protects against external factors, such as pollutants, bacteria, and environmental aggressors. When the skin's barrier is functioning properly, it helps to maintain hydration, protect against damage, and promote overall skin health. However, when the skin's barrier is damaged or disrupted, it can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and other skin problems.

How do Ceramides benefit the skin? 

Hydration:

Ceramides help to lock in moisture, making them an effective skincare ingredient to hydrate the skin. 

Anti-Ageing:

As we age, the ceramide levels in our skin naturally decline, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Ceramides help to replenish the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Protection:

Ceramides help to protect the skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors such as cold weather conditions. Using ceramides in your skincare routine strengthens the skin's barrier and acts as a defence against these environmental factors. 

Improved Skin Texture:

Ceramides also help to improve skin texture, leaving it soft, smooth and radiant. 

Reduces Inflammation:

Ceramides have anti-inflammatory properties, making them an effective ingredient to calm those with sensitised or easily irritated skin. 

How to add Ceramides to your routine?

While ceramides are naturally found in the skin, there are several ways to boost ceramide levels and support skin health. 

A Healthy diet that is rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids is essential in maintaining the natural ceramides level in your skin. Foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can help to support skin health and boost ceramide levels. 

Introducing ceramide-enriched skincare products into your routine can be a great way to help lock in moisture, and strengthen and repair your skin. 

Here are some simple steps to follow:

Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup. Fresh Faced is a gentle & hard working makeup remover that is perfect for cleansing the day away.

Apply a hydrating serum that contains ceramides, like HydraGlo. While helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier, HydraGlo also contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter & niacinamide to deeply hydrate, soften and brighten the skin. Apply a small amount of the serum to your face and neck, using your fingers to gently massage it in.

Lock in moisture with a ceramide-enriched moisturiser, like CloudCream™. CloudCream was designed to nourish, repair and seal moisture into the skin. Regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, or a combination of both, CloudCream™ was designed to cater to all skin types and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Use it as your last step at night or just before your Sun Protection in your morning routine. 

Overall, ceramides play a crucial role in maintaining the health and appearance of our skin. By incorporating ceramides into your diet and your skincare routine, you can help to boost the ceramide levels in your skin and keep it looking and feeling its best. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram @sculptedbyaimee. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have and help guide you through what sculpted skin products may suit your skin type best.

Lots of Good Skin Love,

Aimee & Team x