As beauty editors, we’re always in the know about beauty trends and buzzwords before they even go-to-market, whether it’s peptides, multi-masking, retinol, Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C - we’re on it. We watch them come and go, but we're predicting the buzzword of the moment Ceramides is here to stay.
Doctor Dendy Engelman, Consulting Dermatologist for , says "Ceramides are essential components of the outermost layer of the epidermis, better known as the stratum corneum, and are naturally occurring lipids produced by your skin.” Engelman advises that “Ceramides help support the skin's barrier layer for moisture retention and help hold healthy cells together, leaving skin with a hydrated, smooth, and healthy look."
The best part about this beauty trend is the science behind it. It sets it apart from all the other beauty FADs on the market.
"Ceramides represent about 50 per cent of the lipids in this layer, along with cholesterol which makes up about 25 per cent, and other fatty acids which make up another 10-15 per cent. Collectively these lipids act like mortar in a brick wall, with the Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids binding skin cells -- which are the "bricks" in this analogy -- together," Engelman explains.
Translated into basic terms, Ceramides are a naturally occurring compound in the skin that unfortunately diminishes overtime as we age.
"This is all part of the natural ageing process and happens to everyone, so it is vital to replenish Ceramides starting in our 30's in order to make up for what is being lost," stresses Engelmen. "Ceramide levels drop at an alarming rate after the age of 30 - by 43 per cent in your 30's and 60 percent in your 40's.”
Although all hope is not lost! The good news is that you can manually absorb Ceramides through skincare products and there’s a plethora of them to choose from. "Adding Ceramides to skincare products can help restore the skin's barrier, in turn helping to restore skin's natural lipid levels and counteract the visible signs of ageing,” says Engelman.
Whether it’s through a serum, moisturiser, mask or cosmetics, Ceramides are taking the beauty industry by storm.
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