What Are Ceramides and Why Are They Important?
Ceramides are a naturally occurring family of waxy lipids, or fatty molecules that hold skin cells together. They form a protective layer on top layer of our skin that keeps moisture in and environmental irritants out. As our hormones fluctuate in midlife, ceramide production slows down leaving skin’s natural barrier compromised. This can lead to dryness, inflammation and redness. Incorporating ceramides in your skincare routine to top up your natural levels can help repair your skin barrier leaving skin glowing and hydrated.
Signs Your Skin Needs Ceramides
Persistent Dryness and Flakiness
If your skin often feels dry even after moisturising, it could be a sign of a weakened skin barrier. Without sufficient ceramides, your skin struggles to hold onto moisture, causing it to lose hydration quickly. Flaky patches and feelings of tightness, particularly in areas that are more exposed (like cheeks and forehead), also indicate that the skin's natural barrier needs a little more support.
Increased Sensitivity
If you find that your skin is reacting more easily to products you have been happily using before this can be a red flag. Sensitive skin is often the result of a compromised barrier, which lacks the protective ceramides to shield against irritants. If your skin is showing signs of irritation like tingling, itching or burning, it could benefit from the calming effects of ceramide-rich products.
Fine Lines and Loss of Elasticity
Ceramides play a key role in maintaining a plump, dewy complexion. If your skin appears to have more fine lines or feels less bouncy, adding ceramides can help your skin retain moisture leading to smoother, plumper skin.
Breakouts and Blemishes
When your skin's barrier is weakened, it becomes more susceptible to bacteria and environmental pollutants, which can trigger breakouts and make skin more susceptible to environmental damage. Ceramides help rebuild this barrier, preventing congested pores and keeping acne at bay.
Rough Texture
If your skin feels rough to the touch, it’s likely a sign that it’s lacking essential moisture. Ceramides help to smooth and soften the skin improving skin texture and tone.
How to Incorporate Ceramides Into Your Skincare Routine
Look for Ceramide Infused Products
An easy way to get ceramides into your skincare routine is to look for ceramide-infused products. In midlife your skin needs powerhouse actives like retinol to keep skin glowing and healthy. The key is to look for products that have been formulated with added ceramides to help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier. This will improve the condition and appearance of your skin, so you get the best results possible from active ingredients like retinol.
What Other Ingredients Pair Well With Ceramides?
Combining ceramides with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can amplify your hydration levels, as humectants draw moisture into the skin, and ceramides lock it in. For dry skin, this is a powerful combination that will keep your skin dewy and resilient.
Living M Super A Sleep Cream is infused with 3 x skin strengthening ceramides, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and glycerin. 0.5% encapsulated time released retinol is carried deep into the skin and released while you sleep, targeting skin cells at a lower level. The ultra-nourishing blend of skin strengthening ceramides and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid lock in moisture and strengthen skin’s natural barrier while the retinol works its magic. Wake up to a brighter, rejuvenated, more refreshed complexion.
