What Are Ceramides?
Simply put, ceramides are types of lipids (fats).
The simplest way to explain the role of ceramides is to think of them as the mortar between bricks (the bricks being your skin cells). Ceramides help hold skin together by forming a protective barrier that limits moisture loss and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors like central heating. In addition, ceramides are an anti-aging powerhouse, helping supporting skin’s dynamic nature.
How ceramides Work in Skincare
When the skin’s barrier becomes compromised by a lack of ceramides, it can cause dryness or irritation. One of the main functions of skin is to protect us all from our environment. When skin lacks the right ratio of ceramides its barrier doesn’t perform as well as it should do, and the health of your skin suffers as a result.
So, you may be wondering how skin loses its precious ceramides? As with many things in life, there are a multitude of factors that can contribute – from age, to seasonal changes, to overuse of soaps or exfoliants which can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance.
The good news is that using the right skincare products can help replenish ceramide levels, help restore the skin barrier, and increase its moisture levels – leaving you with plumper, smoother and healthier-looking skin,. Because they are a naturally occurring part of your skin, ceramides are non-irritant and are therefore suitable for all skin types safe to use on even the most delicate of skin such as that around the eyes.
Are ceramides Enough on Their Own?
Much like peptides, ceramides are most effective when combined with other anti-ageing or skin-replenishing ingredients such as . As retinol is a potent anti-ageing ingredient, combining with ceramides and niacinamide can make it more tolerable, due to their skin barrier supporting benefits.
Using such products in combination will not only help to restore moisture levels, resulting in smoother, softer skin but can also help target age related skin concerns too. Leave-on products such as moisturisers and serums allow for maximum absorption.
Our clinically proven Restore & Renew range is formulated with our unique skin fortifying complex – a blend of ceramides, amino acids and calcium – which provides beneficial ingredients to help your skin look and feel more like young skin again.
Discover No7 Restore & Renew here.