When it comes to choosing a skincare product, its ingredient(s) play the most important role in deciding whether or not it’s going to work. You may choose an ingredient based on the fact that you’re breaking out (salicylic acid), have dull skin (glycolic acid), dry skin (hyaluronic acid) or just some usual products that help keep the skin firm (elasticin and collagen).
When we are in our 30s, our priorities shift to choosing ingredients that boost elasticity and have anti-ageing properties. One ingredient that is common among women approaching their late thirties and definitely deserves the spotlight is ceramides. As far as anti-ageing ingredients go, ceramides are a winner, but what do they do exactly?
We got in touch with Dr Aneesh Sheth, the skincare expert and entrepreneur behind Dr Sheth’s, to give us his expert advice on ceramides and why you need them in your skincare regimen.
What Are Ceramides?
In simple words, Dr. Aneesh defines ceramides as, “Lipids (fats) that help strengthen the skin’s barrier.”
Did you know that ceramides are found naturally in the uppermost layers of our skin? In fact, they make up about 50% of our skin’s composition. So, it should come as no surprise that they play a vital role in how our skin looks and reacts to various ingredients. They also help our skin retain moisture, keep it looking firm and plump, and rejuvenate the skin from time to time.
How Do Ceramides Work?
Think of ceramides as the ‘mortar’ between the bricks but in this case, the bricks are our skin cells. Dr Aneesh explains, “Ceramides form a major component of the “cement’ that keeps the skin cells together along with fatty acids, urea, cholesterol, and amino acids.” Now you know what ceramides are, straight from the expert’s mouth!
Ceramides also ‘hold’ your skin together by forming a protective layer that protects the skin from external factors, limits moisture loss, and also responsible for skin’s elasticity.
Why Are Ceramides Important In Skincare?
You must be wondering, “If my skin already has ceramides, do I really need ceramide-infused beauty products?”
Yes, we do and especially Indian women. And if you’re wondering why, allow Dr Aneesh to explain. “Indian skin has a weak skin barrier because of pollution and our environment – so we need constant replenishment to strengthen the barrier,” he says.
So yes, products with ceramides are always a good idea! Also, the sun’s wrath and the age factor–both reduce the effectiveness of our skin’s natural ceramides (and their production) that can eventually stop its growth. If you have drier and rougher skin than usual, chances are that your skin needs ceramides. Other factors include visibly dehydrated skin, wrinkles, redness, and even skin inflammation.
To conclude, yes, ceramides are very important for your skin and if you feel like your skin isn’t looking great, it may be because of low production of ceramides.
Skincare Products With Ceramides
Now that we’ve caught you up to speed on the ingredient, here are some ceramide-infused products you can add to your cart.
There you have it, all the reasons why you should invest in ceramide-infused products!
Featured Image: Pexels.com