Everything to know about the ceramids to take care of the skin and hair

The article has been verified to guarantee as much precision as possible (the content includes links to accredited media sites, academic research institutions and, occasionally, medical studies).All the content of our website has been reviewed, however, if you consider that our content is inaccurate, outdated or doubtful, you can contact us to make the necessary corrections.5 minutes ceramids are one of these components that help maintain youth appearance on the skin, in addition to healthy hair.Although they are lost with age, they can be obtained from external sources.

Revised and approved by the pharmaceutical Franciele Rohor de Souza.

Written by Edith Sánchez

Last update: December 28, 2021

Ceramids are one of those compounds that are in countless cosmetic products.They are promoted as great allies of beauty, but the truth is that you don't always know why they are so valued.

The first thing that should be said is that ceramids are one of the great anti-learning ingredients.They have special impact on skin and hair, because in both cases they help retain moisture and form a protection barrier.

As with collagen, the body stop producing ceramides as the years advance.Its gradual lacks causes changes that contribute to the appearance of aging signs.

What are ceramids?

Ceramids are a form of fatty acids that are called lipids.They are naturally found in the upper layers of the skin, in high concentrations.In fact, they constitute 50 % of the skin composition.

To understand the function of ceramides you can go to an example.Let's think of a wall made of bricks.For the structure to be maintained, there must be a component that links one brick with another.In the skin, the cells would be those bricks and the ceramids the compound that keeps them together.

These substances create a barrier to prevent the loss of moisture in the skin.Thus, they protect from dryness.

Therefore, if its efficacy is reduced, the skin will look dry, rough, with wrinkles and with various signs of aging.Something similar occurs in hair, which also contains ceramides.

The benefits of ceramides

Ceramids contribute great benefits to skin and hair.These are not only aesthetic, but also of general health.In fact, people with conditions such as rosacea, eczema or acne have a lower level of those substances in their skin.

As we already noted, these compounds create a protective barrier, so that it can retain moisture.Thus, they help prevent there to be dryness, which is very important in times like winter.

In the same way, they protect from external aggressions, such as sun and pollution, as well as bacterial infections.They also affect the regulation of sebum secretion, which is key to healthy skin.

Together, its benefits can be synthesized in this way:

Where to find the ceramids?

Ceramids can be of various types:

All of them are found naturally in the skin and some are made synthetically to incorporate them into cosmetic products.But let's now see the sources of obtaining that you could take advantage of.

It may also be interested: What are the causes of dry skin?

Cosmetic products

There is no big difference between the natural ceramides of the skin and those that are manufactured syntically.The cosmetic products that contain them include them within their components on the label.

Ceramid products must be packaged in the correct form.This is, in opaque tubes or bottles that have hermetic pumps or dispensers.It is because they are photosensitive elements;They lose their effectiveness if they are exposed to light.

Oral supplements

Today there are also ceramides in oral supplements.They are made from plants.Everything indicates that they are effective in the purpose of increasing skin hydration.However, there is not enough research that ends it completely.

Natural sources

Ceramids are present in many vegetables such as wheat and their derivatives, beets, rice, potatoes and soy.Dairy and eggs have a high amount of sphingolipids.These stimulate ceramid production.

However, when these substances are sought to restore skin moisture, it is not enough with what is obtained from food.Broccoli seed oil can be applied directly on the skin.Everything indicates that it stimulates the production of ceramids naturally.

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How to use ceramids and what to expect from them

Ceramid products can be used in any skin type.They are particularly indicated when there is dryness, irritation, redness, inflammation or fine lines and wrinkles.

The effect is more effective when they are used in combination with other ingredients to restore the skin.In particular, they are enhanced with antioxidants, retinol, niacinamide, linoleic acid and peptides.

These compounds are considered safe.Especially when applied topically.However, it is always convenient to take the patch test.This consists in making a small application in a cutaneous area to corroborate that there are no side effects.

Regarding supplements, there is no evidence that they cause an adverse reaction.Anyway, you can't expect major changes overnight.

Ceramidas: Allied for cutaneous health

Although ceramides are considered a safe compound, it is best to consult with the dermatologist to advise which is the best product to be used according to your particular case.This is more important if you have any skin condition.

Champus or hair tonic containing ceramides are usually effective.They are indicated for dry or mistreated hair.Although there are no reports in this regard, if any reaction is presented, what is indicated is to suspend and consult with the professional.

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