Ingredient in Focus: Ceramides
First things first: what
WHAT DO CERAMIDES DO FOR SKIN?
A large component of the ‘glue’ that holds skin’s defences together, ceramides are produced naturally however, as levels begin to decline this can lead to a weakened skin barrier. And it isn’t just age that can compromise ceramide levels — all that acid toning? While it’s great (in moderation), if you’re ever over-zealous you can leave your face susceptible to dryness, irritation, breakouts... you name it (never has the phrase ‘too much of a good thing’ been more applicable).
For this reason, treatments that help to replenish skin’s ceramide levels are an essential element of any skin care ritual — bolstering barrier function to shield from aggressors while helping to ward against water loss — keeping skin plump and preventing all-too-common tightness.
And their talents don’t begin and end with bolstering skin’s ‘stratum corneum’ (the uppermost layer of dead surface cells that protects from aggressors and locks moisture
In short, they’re calming, comforting, soothing, softening, protective, great for sensitive skin conditions (such as eczema)... In short, ceramides’ roll call of accomplishments makes compelling reading.
WHAT ABOUT PHYTOCERAMIDES?
Naturally occurring, long-chain fatty acids, ceramides and phytoceramides have the same structure (and function) but
ARE CERAMIDES GOOD FOR ACNE?
Ceramides — unlike rich emollients — are great for oily, blemish-prone complexions, as well as for dry, stressed or compromised skin types. By gently ‘rebuilding’ skin’s protective layer, they help to reduce inflammation, relieve redness and gradually normalise skin that’s rebelling, making them a brilliant step in your acne-care regime, as well as indispensable for those with dry or dehydrated skin types.
HOW DO I ADD CERAMIDES TO MY ROUTINE?
So, eager to make friends with ceramides? Here are the top-rated picks of the ceramide crop!
49
24.10€
61
14.10€
138
46.33€
43
19.20€
18
18.00€
56
35.00€
14
7.91€
21
62.00€
Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
