Ceramides For Skin & Hair: Types, Benefits, Uses & Side-Effects

Dry skin and damaged, dull hair can be an everyday issue that worsens as we get older. We wonder if it's because of a lack of nutrients in our diet or because of the pollution. However, we overlook a critical component that promotes skin health, i.e, "Ceramide." Ceramide for skin and hair care is something you should incorporate into your routine. Wondering what ceramides basically are? Ceramides are a waxy lipid molecule family. Sphingosine and a fatty acid make up ceramides. Ceramides are component lipids that make up sphingomyelin, one of the primary lipids in the lipid bilayer, and are abundant in eukaryotic cells’ cell membranes. Ceramides are well known for their role in constructing and maintaining the skin’s water permeability barrier function. Ceramides, in other words, aid to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Why are Ceramides important?

• Ceramides assist to maintain skin smooth and supple, they also play a crucial part in hair growth.
• They help protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and dry air because they are part of the skin’s barrier layer.
• According to researchers, The skin’s barrier is damaged when it lacks ceramides, resulting in dryness and irritation. Our skin barrier fails to operate optimally when we don’t have the right ratio of ceramides, and our skin’s health suffers as a result.
• Ceramides are the glue that holds our skin cells together in order to keep our skin barrier intact. Moisture is kept in and contaminants are kept out by a healthy skin barrier.

What are the common types of ceramides?

• Ceramides that are already present in your skin are “natural.”
• The majority usage of ceramide for skin care products is synthetic . In terms of quality or efficacy, this doesn’t make much of a difference. Ceramide AP, NP, EOP, NG, and NS are some of the most prevalent ceramide compounds to search for in cosmetics.
• You might also find chemical names like Hexadecanamide, N-stearoyl phytosphingosine, Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, N-stearoyl sphinganine, Caproyl sphingosine, or -hydroxy-N-stearoyl phytosphingosine that aren’t as obvious.
• Your skin will benefit as long as ceramides are restored. Consider adding healthy fats to your diet if you’re seeking for a more “natural” strategy to increase ceramide formation in your skin. Sweet potatoes, soy, wheat, rice, and corn all contain ceramides.

What are the benefits of Ceramides? Ceramides for Skin care: Ceramides are long-chain fatty acids that form bonds with other essential chemicals to help cells operate properly. Ceramides have been shown to help with a variety of skin issues. Some of them are listed below.

• Skin problems
• Eczema: it is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed and irritated. Ceramides for skincare have helped to replace the moisture lost by the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by red patches of skin and low ceramide levels. Psoriasis symptoms were reduced when these patients used ceramides in their skincare.
• Natural occurrences
• Aging: According to studies, topical ceramides improved the function of the skin barrier, making skin appear softer and younger.
• Acne: Ceramides can strengthen skin barriers, preventing bacteria and other unwanted substances from entering.
• Sensitive skin: Ceramides act as a mortar for the skin cells that make up the barrier. They have the ability to lock in moisture and minimize skin irritation.

Ceramides for Hair care: Regardless of the fact that ceramides are abundant in nature within hair, overuse of harsh chemicals, prolonged use of heat appliances, and over-cleansing over time reduces ceramides and promotes raised cuticles. Ceramides, whether natural or synthetically generated, can enhance the binding of the cuticle scales and reestablish the hair’s natural properties when applied to damaged hair. Ceramides help to provide smooth hair, bring shine, and assist hair to tolerate wear and tear throughout by maintaining the cuticle smooth. They aid in hair strengthening, suppleness, and moisture retention. How to use ceramides for self care? Ceramides for skincare:

• Ceramides are gentle on all skin types and believe in achieving balance. If you have a skin condition, however, you should see your doctor before using. Ceramides can be found in a variety of products, including moisturizers, serums, masks, and treatments.
• Routine Usage : Ceramides can be added to the routine during the serum stage. Ceramides should not be used in cleansers because the cleanser will remove the ceramides you added for an extended stay.
• Packaging and details: Ceramides are commonly branded on skincare products as AP, NP, EOP, NG, and NS. Ceramides do not perform well when exposed to sunlight, light, or air, thus use opaque, airtight containers and packaging. If exposed to the environment, ceramides can degrade.

Usage of Ceramides for Hair Care

• Ceramides are also added to shampoos and conditioners on occasion. They work as a conditioner, trapping in nutrients and strengthening the hair shaft as a whole. Ceramide hair products may help restore the overall appearance of your hair if it is excessively dry or damaged.
• Including products with natural oils that contain ceramides in your hair care routine will help keep your hair in great condition. Ceramide treatments can only help your hair stay healthy, even if it looks and feels great.
• Ceramides are widely available in a variety of products, both natural and manufactured. Both are beneficial to hair, although synthetic ceramides are more similar to those found within the hair root than plant-based ceramides.
• Look for substances such as Wheat Germ Oil, 2-oleamido, Grapeseed Oil, or Safflower Oil, 1-3 octadecanediol in your hair products to check if they include ceramides.

How long does it take ceramides to work ? Despite the fact that creams and lotions have an instant hydrating effect, anti-aging effects can take weeks to develop. It all depends on how quickly your skin cells turn over. You can see anti-aging advantages and smoother, plumper skin after using ceramides religiously for around 1-3 months. What causes depletion of ceramide in the body?

• Ceramides, like hyaluronic acid, are created naturally by the skin, but they decline over time as we age. After the age of 20, the body produces less ceramides, with an annual loss of one percent.
• Seasonal changes (such cold, dry winter air) and misuse of soaps or exfoliants, which can throw off skin’s pH balance, can further deplete ceramide levels in the skin.
• Ceramide levels are influenced by your diet as well.

How to prevent loss of ceramides ? Utilizing the correct skin-care products can help replace ceramide levels, restore the skin barrier, and boost moisture levels. Ceramides are found in a wide range of moisturizers. Using such products will assist in restoring moisture levels, resulting in smoother, softer skin, and can also be therapeutic for those suffering from psoriasis or eczema. Start applying moisturizers shortly after you get out of the shower, while your skin is still damp, to get the most out of them. Are there any potential side effects of ceramides ? Ceramides are considered to be safe because they have no known negative effects. However, by testing a tiny amount on your skin first, you can avoid allergic reactions and product sensitivities. Cleanse the afflicted area and discontinue using the product if redness, itching, or other irritation occurs. You can use the product wherever you want if you don’t have any unwanted side effects. Conclusion Ceramide for skin care as an ingredient that helps complement your skin’s natural ceramide synthesis. They’re typically utilized to aid in the restoration of moisture and the reduction of discomfort. They could also help with eczema and psoriasis treatment. Ceramides help to strengthen hair and increase elasticity and moisture retention when used in hair care. Ceramides are particularly good for chemically treated hair, such as that which has been coloured, bleached, or relaxed. FAQ’S Q: Which food products can be considered rich with ceramides? A: Soybeans, sweet potatoes, wheat germ, eggs,, corn, and brown rice are foods that are high in ceramides. Q: Which skin care products work best for ceramides? A : Deconstruct’s Hydrating Serum is an extremely hydrating solution with three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate all layers of the skin, plus niacinamide to soothe and keep skin oil-free. It’s a one-of-a-kind solution that hydrates and moisturises your skin from the inside out without adding excessive oiliness. Q: Is it possible to combine ceramides with other skin care components to get the best results? A: Ceramides can be used in conjunction with other skin care ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and retinol to help you reach your goals.