Believe it or not, ceramides have been around for many years and have a proven track record when it comes to an anti-ageing ingredient used in skincare.
Ceramides offer moisture retention, improved elasticity and are often used in hair care to enhance radiance and shine. Whilst being a superior skin care ingredient, they are often overlooked and very little is actually known about them. Here we will take a closer look at what they are and what their function is within our skins.
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are naturally found within the uppermost layers of the skin where they assist to ‘hold’ skin cells together in much the same way bricks are held together by cement. They make up over 50% of the skin’s composition and therefore play a vital role in determining how our skin functions and maintains its youthfulness. Holding the skin together, the form a protective layer which limits moisture loss and protects from external aggressors. Ceramides are known as one of the anti-ageing ‘powerhouses’ alongside the likes of retinol, peptides and niacinamide, playing a key role in the support of the skin. Amazingly, we have two ceramide precursors – phytosphingosine and sphingolipids – which help the skin to produce more ceramides. These are not always recognised as ceramides but will always be highlighted when included in skincare for the benefits of assisting with ceramide production within the skin.
Unfortunately, as we age, we lose these vital ceramides for various reasons, with the usual suspects being sun exposure and environmental aggressors. This results in a weakened skin barrier, the skin is drier and starts showing visible lines, wrinkles form, whilst redness, irritation and some dehydration can be expected.
Skincare products focusing on replenishment i.e. putting back into the skin what it naturally produces, is a very effective way of maintaining a great looking skin with improved longevity. The fantastic thing about ceramides, is the fact that almost any skin type, including breakout-prone, oily and even sensitive skin, can incorporate them into routine.
To maintain your skins natural ceramide levels consider introducing the below products into your daily regime:
DermaFix Ceramide Complex
Formulated with age-defying ceramides, including Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3 and Ceramide 6-II, along with the addition of DMAE, Hyaluronic and Apple Stem Cells, this corrective serum helps to lift- up facial contours, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. DermaFix Ceramide Complex rejuvenates skin as well as instantaneously lifts and repairs the natural lipid barrier of the skin.
DermaFix Ceramide Eye Complex
As an eye cream, DermaFix Ceramide Eye Complex will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst further improving skin elasticity around the fragile eye area. Incorporating Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II as well as DMAE, Hyaluronic and Apple Stem Cells, DermaFix Ceramide Eye Complex rejuvenates the skin around the eye area and instantaneously repairs the natural lipid barrier for a more nourished eye area.
For best results from the use of your ceramide-based correctives, prepare the skin by thoroughly cleansing the skin with your favourite DermaFix Cleanser. Lightly exfoliating the skin with either DermaFix DermaPolish or DermaFix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal will remove redundant skin cell build-up, encourage cellular renewal and improve the effectiveness of your ceramide-enriched products.
For more information in the above mentioned DermaFix products, visit www.dermafix.co.za or call 0861282323 for further assistance.