This is why ceramide-rich cosmetics are essential for the skin

Article published on April 17, 2022

Ceramides are among the key ingredients in skin care products that aim to replenish, protect and strengthen the skin barrier. Here’s what they’re for, and some tips for incorporating them into your skincare routine.

What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin and which contribute to its protection and hydration. They are found in the membrane of our cells, but also between the cells of the epidermis where they form the intercellular cement.

Bénédicte Dallemand, head of medical training for CeraVe, explains to Madmoizelle:

Imagine a protective wall: skin cells are the building blocks and ceramides are the cement. The stronger your concrete, the stronger your wall.

Ceramides represent 50% of our skin’s lipids and are part of a global strategy to keep skin healthy, perfectly protected from external aggressions (UV, pollution, cold, stripping cosmetics, etc.) and well hydrated.

Unfortunately, the quality and quantity of these natural ceramides decreases with age, which does not affect the skin, which can become drier and rougher, but also show signs of irritation and dehydration. This is where cosmetics come into play!

Which skin types can benefit from the benefits of ceramides?

Since ceramides are essential components for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, all skin types can benefit from their virtuesfor the face but also for the body.

Bénédicte Dallemand enlightens us:

From constitutional dry skin to temporary dry skin – when the skin feels tight after sun exposure or a dip in a pool – through to atopic dry skin or those suffering from psoriasis, as well as mature skin, they are all deficient in ceramides and they should use skin care products containing ceramides.

This also applies to acne-prone skin: the lack of ceramides causes a thickening of the stratum corneum which favors the appearance of comedones.

Of course, if ceramides aren’t yet on the short list of your daily cosmetic ingredients, it’s time to send out the invites.

How to integrate ceramides into your beauty routine?

Many skin care and hygiene products contain ceramides, just choose according to your needs and consumption habits.

For the expert, the important thing is to start:

You can use face and body creams, but there are also make-up removers and shower gels and oils that contain ceramides. Any treatment containing these lipids will be beneficial for the skin and there is no shortage of choice!

Ceramides fit easily into a skincare routine and can help you achieve “beautiful skin” goals more easily. If you need a lot of hydration, they combine perfectly with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, another bioidentical ingredient. If it’s the shine that’s lacking, you can use a vitamin C treatment in the morning and a ceramide-rich cream in the evening. For more mature skins, the duo of lipids upon waking and retinol before bedtime also works very well. All combinations are possible, so take advantage of them!

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Front page image photo credit: Anna Shvets on Pexels