Now, with autumn comes a time of change when the skin is more susceptible to dryness and allergies. Therefore, it is especially important that we keep our pores well hydrated.
Although they are not yet as popular as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or retinol, ceramides are a growing phenomenon in the skincare market around the world. When we buy a moisturizer, we rarely look at the label looking for this word, but after this NiT article we will certainly be much more attentive to the word. The same goes for cleansers or skin serums.
That's why, today, the beauty industry produces so many products enriched with ceramides, such as the brand developed and recommended by dermatologists, CeraVe. In fact, this name comes from the word ceramides. It's the first and only label that offers a full line of products — from cleansing care, moisturizing creams and lotions to hand and foot creams.
To understand why ceramides are considered top-notch moisturisers, NiT interviewed Joana Álvares, founder of the Beautyst.pt project, a platform that credibly shares information in the area of beauty – for skin, hair and body.
The 40-year-old skincare specialist is also the curator of the SweetAwards, the beauty awards of the SweetCare online store. This project highlights beauty solutions every month that effectively deliver on their promises, while promoting cosmetic literacy and valuing skin health.
What exactly are ceramides and what role do they play in skin care?
Ceramides are structural components of the skin (epidermis) with a very important role. Fifty percent of the skin barrier, the barrier that protects skin health, is made up of ceramides, which are lipids with two important functions: they strengthen the skin barrier and increase skin hydration. Together with fatty acids and cholesterol, they play a key role in filling the spaces between cells, regulating the permeability of the skin and maintaining its integrity. In addition to preventing water from escaping from the skin, thus preventing transepidermal water loss (increasing hydration levels), they prevent the penetration of pollutants and allergens. It is very important to realize that changes in the skin's lipid content can lead to skin problems.
Since hydration is essential for skin health, what is its relationship with ceramides and why should we choose products with ceramides?
In order for the skin to remain healthy, it is necessary to maintain its hydration levels, i.e. water. The main function of ceramides is to prevent water from escaping from skin cells. Ceramides form a very important lipid barrier, the skin barrier, which prevents the loss of water (and therefore hydration), since fat and water do not mix. The integrity of the skin barrier can be compromised by various factors such as adverse weather conditions, improper skin cleansing, stress, etc. In these situations, the good fat of the skin, essential for its health, can be compromised, with the reduction of ceramides which can lead to problems such as redness, itching, dehydration, dermatitis. In these cases, it is important to restore the skin barrier and always keep the skin hydrated, giving preference to products with ceramides, so that the replacement is done transdermally, that is, through skin absorption.
Should we combine ceramides with other moisturizing ingredients? How often should we use it?
We can and should combine the use of ceramides with moisturizing ingredients, and hyaluronic acid is a star ingredient when it comes to skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that exists in our skin, and whose presence decreases as the years go by. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to store a thousand times its weight in water due to its hygroscopic properties, which allow it to extract water from the environment, just like a sponge. It is like a water reserve, it gives volume and structure to the skin's extracellular matrix, creates tension in this matrix acting as a firming agent, maintains space and nourishes and hydrates the collagen and elastin present in the skin. We can and should use cosmetic products with ceramides and hyaluronic acid all year round.
How important is it to choose quality products recommended by dermatologists for an effective skincare routine?
An effective skin routine doesn't have to consist of endless or overly complicated products. Dermatologists prescribe effective, safe and simple products with key ingredients for healthy skin, which translates into beautiful, soft and pleasant-looking skin. A good tip is to be aware of the brands most prescribed by dermatologists.
Are they always a safe choice?
Simple tips that can make a difference to the health and appearance of the skin: avoid hot showers, dry the skin with a soft towel without rubbing, use products that guarantee hydration, moisturize the skin immediately after cleansing, favor products with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, as is the case with CeraVe products. The Moisturizing Cleansing Cream was one of the first 3 products of the CeraVe brand and is exceptional, it cleanses normal to dry skin (face and/or body) in a non-foamy lotion-cream texture (it feels like a cream when applied to the skin, the comfort is felt immediately). It removes impurities while increasing the skin's hydration.
Why should we choose the CeraVe range?
CeraVe is a brand developed together with dermatologists that thinks about the health and hydration of the skin. It is also a brand accessible to everyone with its various solutions for all skin types. In CeraVe products we find 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, key ingredients to restore the skin barrier and maintain skin hydration, in fragrance-free formulas, adapted to all skins including the most sensitive or intolerant.
If you're struggling with dry skin, premature skin aging, or simply want to lock in as much moisture as possible, the solution is to add ceramides to your skincare routine. You can find the brand's products at SweetCare and follow all the news through its Facebook and Instagram pages . Enjoy and join the waiting list of the new SweetCare Advent Calendar, a limited edition with 24 beauty cares, in an exclusive design.
NiT content sponsored by SweetCare