Ceramides | skincare routine | skincare | skin barrier

Ceramides: The lowdown and why your skin needs them

Ceramides | skincare routine | skincare | skin barrier |

Calling all beauty enthusiasts! Are you wondering do you need ceramides in your skincare routine? The simple answer is YES!

What are ceramides, you might ask. It’s certainly a good place to start because once you know all about them, you'll know exactly why you need them! Ceramides are lipids that make up to 50% of the skin's lipids to form the natural skin barrier. They are essentially the sticky glue that holds our skin cells together to keep our skin barrier intact & healthy - which is what we ALL want. We want that "sticky glue" to stay and keep our skin looking and most importantly feeling healthy. A healthy skin barrier helps retain moisture and seal out harmful elements. If your skin has lower ceramide levels, you might suffer from skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Harsh climates, age and sun exposure also impact ceramide levels and can compromise your skin's barrier, which can result in dry skin - which is what we all DON’T want when we can help it.

What do ceramides do for my skin?
Ceramides are essential for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, which is important for preventing dehydration, protecting against environmental stressors, and regulating the permeation of molecules. They also play a role in regulating skin cell turnover and inflammation. They work extremely hard for your skin, and if you don’t currently have them in your skincare routine, now is the time to start!

Can anybody use ceramides?
They sure can! Ceramides can be beneficial for people of all ages and skin types, especially those with dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin. Ceramide-containing skincare products can help improve skin hydration, reduce water loss, and enhance the skin barrier function. The sooner they’re added to your skincare routine, the better, Queens!

What are the side effects of ceramides?
Ceramides are generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used in skincare products. The risk of adverse reactions or side effects is minimal. However, in rare cases, excessive use of ceramide-containing skincare products can lead to skin irritation, redness, or itching. To minimise the risk of adverse reactions, it's important to patch test a new product first and to follow the instructions for use carefully. Always remember, if you’re ever unsure, always patch test.

What skincare products can ceramides be used with?
Ceramides can be used with a wide range of skincare products to help their effectiveness and provide additional benefits for the skin.

Here are some examples...
Hydrating products: Ceramides work well with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients work great together to attract and retain moisture in the skin. As a result, helping to improve hydration levels and reducing dryness. Yasss!

Retinoids: Retinoids in your skincare routine, such as retinol or tretinoin, are commonly used to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance skin cell turnover. It's important to note, retinoids can also be drying and irritating to the skin, so combining ceramides with retinoids can help reduce the risk of irritation and main the skin barrier function.

Exfoliants: Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), are used to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. However, these ingredients can also be drying and irritating to the skin. By using a ceramide-containing moisturiser or serum after exfoliation, it can help restore and maintain the skin barrier function.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, as it helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. However, it's important to note some sunscreens can be drying or irritating to the skin. Using a ceramide-containing moisturiser or sunscreen can help improve hydration and maintain the skin barrier function.

Overall, ceramides can be used with a wide range of skincare products to enhance their effectiveness and provide additional benefits for the skin. Combining ceramides with other hydrating, anti-ageing, or protective ingredients can help improve skin health and appearance. Love love LOVE!

Tips on how to best incorporate ceramides in skincare
Start with a cleanser: Incorporating a ceramide-rich cleanser into your routine is a great way to help restore and maintain the skin barrier function. Look for a gentle, non-stripping formula that can effectively remove dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin's natural balance.

Use a ceramide-containing moisturiser: Moisturisers containing ceramides can help improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for a formula that contains a mix of ceramides, as well as other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Consider a serum: Serums containing ceramides can provide an extra boost of hydration and help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Look for a serum that contains a high concentration of ceramides and other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants or peptides.

Be consistent: Like any skincare ingredient, it's important to be consistent when incorporating ceramides into your routine. Use your ceramide-containing products regularly, preferably twice a day, to help maintain the health and integrity of the skin barrier.

Layer properly: When layering skincare products, it's important to apply them in the correct order to ensure they are absorbed effectively. Generally, it's best to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. So, if you're using a ceramide-containing serum and moisturiser, apply the serum first, followed by the moisturiser.

By incorporating ceramides into your skincare routine in these ways, you can help improve the health and appearance of your skin and keep it looking hydrated and youthful. Check out our selection of skincare here.
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