The Ceramide Story 

Ceramides appear to be one of the anti-aging or skin care ingredients with a proven, science-backed record. Essentially, ceramides help in retaining the skin moisture, restoring the skin barrier and thereby, keep its appearance firm and plump—especially given the recent research clarifying ceramides’ unique ability to rejuvenate skin’s appearance.

What are ceramides? 

Ceramides form an important part of the cement that holds the skin cells together. These are lipids found in the high concentrations, in the uppermost layers of skin. Along with cholesterol and free fatty acids they make up your protective skin barrier, also known as the extracellular matrix. It therefore, is no surprise they play a vital role in determining how your skin looks (and how it responds to environmental threats).

What do ceramides do?

Since the form the all-important “cement like” structure holding your skin cells together, they are important in forming the skin barrier, playing a vital role in the skins immunity and forming a protective layer that limits moisture loss and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors.

If my skin already contains ceramides, why do I need them in my skin care products?

Sun damage, environmental stressors, pollution biological and chronological skin aging, reduce the effectiveness of your skin’s natural ceramide barrier. This process results in dehydrated, damaged, lustreless, rougher skin, which may appear reddish and irritated. As important it is to use your sunscreen its equally important that you combine barrier restoration with it to replete the ceramide bank. 

What are the benefits of ceramides?

Ceramides help in:

a)    Restoring your skin barrier 

b)   They help in making your skin less sensitive to environmental stressors 

c)    Improves the skins hydration 

d)   Aids in better penetration of other actives 

e)    Numerous individuals with conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, have demonstrated better outcomes to treatment when the skin barrier is restored. 

f)     Improves skin immunity to fight environmental stressors and infections. 

g)   Even, plumper, smoother, firmer-feeling skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles, as well as fewer signs of sensitivity. 

What should I look for in a product with ceramides?

a)    Look for products in tubes or opaque bottles with pumps or airtight dispensers; they’ll keep your anti-aging products performing the way they should. 

b)   Look for words such as ceramide NP, NG, AP, EOG etc. 

c)    Phytosphingosine and sphingosine are ingredients known as ceramide precursors, meaning they can nudge skin into making ceramides

Which skin types are ceramides best for?

Ceramides are and can be used by all skin types as they are an essential component of your skin. Ceramides have demonstrated usefulness in numerous studies in everything from sun damage, acne, psoriasis, atopic eczema just to name a few conditions.  Individuals with sensitive, breakout-prone, or oily skin can also safely use ceramide-based products, provided they are devoid of other nasties. 

What can I combine ceramides with? 

a)    other skin replenishing ingredients

b)   with retinol and other exfoliating agents to restore your skin barrier and allow for better penetration of the actives 

c)    with anti-acne medication to restore the broken skin barrier 

d)   as a steroid sparing agent in many dermatosis such as eczemas and psoriasis 

e)    with sunscreen to aid the damage caused by UVR 

f)     vitamin C / Niacinamide 

Which The Face Craft Project Skincare products contain ceramides?

We know everyone’s skin undergoes a beating with the UV radiation and the environmental stressors such as pollution. For this reason, we have combined in NOURISH, novel sunscreen ingredients, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid and allantoin to give your skin protection, nourishment and smoothness. 

Are ceramides safe during pregnancy / breast feeding?

Current research indicates that ceramides are safe to use on skin conditions during pregnancy and breast feeding. However, its best to consult your doctor / dermatologist / obstetrician before using any agents during this period.