A:
By now, you've probably heard of ceramides, but what actually are they? And why have they gained so much hype?
With the launch of our brand new Ceramide Barrier Defence Cream, we thought it was time to get to the bottom of this skincare super ingredient!
I can guarantee that by the end of this blog post they'll be making an appearance in your upgraded regime. So, let's dive in…
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids a.k.a fatty acids, produced by the skin and act as a key component to the healthy functioning of the skin barrier.
Their primary purpose is to maintain skin structure and provide protection; ceramides make up around 50% of the lipids in the skin's outer layer. If we think of the skin as bricks and mortar, Ceramides are the cement that holds cells together. If you’re a regular reader of the Q+A blog, you won’t be new to this analogy.
Why are ceramides beneficial?
From as early as your 20s, the volume and quality of Ceramides in your skin begins to deplete 💔. This can lead to a compromised skin barrier, and a compromised skin barrier can lead to stressed and irritated skin. Using skincare formulated with ceramides can help to replenish your complexion and maintain healthy functioning.
Suffering with dry or tight skin? Prone to breakouts? Experiencing soreness or irritation? Then this super ingredient may be your solution. Ceramides help to seal in moisture to keep the skin hydrated whilst also forming a protective layer to defend against environmental stressors. Basically, they help to lock in the good stuff and keep out the bad.
Along with all these fantastic benefits, Ceramides also help to reduce the signs of ageing. By keeping the skin smooth and supple, they help to minimise the appearance of wrinkles. Honestly, what can't ceramides do?!
To maximise the benefits, it’s always best to start with a well-cleansed base as dead cells can prevent the absorption of ceramides. We would recommend regular exfoliation with a product that’s gentle on the skin like the Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.
Who should use ceramides?
Ceramides deserve their skincare hero status due to their versatility when it comes to skin suitability. As they naturally occur in the body, they're often referred to as a 'skin-identical' ingredient in cosmetics, making them a winner for all skin types. Whether your skin is dry, maturing, sensitive or in combination, Ceramides deserve a place in your routine.
The Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream
Within our new Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream, we use two skin-loving ceramides.
Ceramide NP (also known as Ceramide 3) is one of the most beneficial Ceramides for the skin. It helps improve moisturisation, elasticity, and the skin barrier's function. The cream's second kind of Ceramides naturally occur in Pineapple Fruit Extract. This vegan ingredient provides moisturising, brightening and anti-ageing capabilities for the skin. It's also super sustainable as we source our extract from waste pineapples that have been squeezed for juice!
With its multitude of moisturising properties, this face cream is a dry skin saviour. However, I'm sure some of you will also be happy to hear it's also an excellent option for those with oily and combination skin types. The skin-identical Ceramides and relatively low levels of rich oils make it an all-round winner. The light gel-like texture also makes it an ideal base for makeup too. If you don’t believe us, give it a go for yourself!
I hope this quick introduction to Ceramides has shed light on how amazing they really are for your skin. This ingredient is here for the long haul, and we’re not complaining here at Q+A!
As always, if you have any skincare question that need answers then don't hold back! Just drop us a message on Instagram or feel free to leave a comment below.
Charlee @ Team Q+A
Charlee Grimson
Marketing and E-commerce Administrator | Current favourite: Oat Milk Cream Cleanser
