Have you ever wondered why your skin always feels dry and irritated? Maybe the secret behind strong and radiant skin lies in your skincare products. If you have been wrapping yourself with these questions then it is time to shift your focus to ceramides. Ceramides in skincare play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier, but what exactly are they, and how can they benefit your skincare routine? Dive into this blog to learn more

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are a type of lipid molecules that occur in the skin’s outermost layer- the stratum corneum. Structurally, ceramides consist of a sphingoid base linked to a fatty acid, forming a complex lipid that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the skin’s integrity. These lipids make up about 50% of the skin’s composition, forming the “mortar” between skin cells, which act as the “bricks.” Ceramides are crucial for the proper functioning of the skin’s barrier.

Ceramides are further classified into several types, each with a specific role but our focus is majorly on these 3 types-

• Ceramide 1(EOS): enhancing strength of the skin barrier.
• Ceramide 2( NS): maintaining skin moisture balance.
• Ceramide 3(NP): repairing and restoring skin barrier.

To learn more about ceramides, click here

What is a skin barrier?

The skin barrier biologically known as the Stratum corneum is the outmost layer of the skin. This layer is composed of corneocytes, and dead skin cells, embedded in a lipid matrix made up of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. These components work together to form a sturdy yet flexible barrier. Structurally the skin barrier represents a brick-and-mortar rearrangement in which the corneocytes represent the bricks and the lipid matrix represents the mortar, thereby holding all skin barrier components together. This novel rearrangement of components protects the underlying layers of skin thereby maintaining a healthy skin beneath.

Various factors can influence the condition of the skin barrier, including genetics, age, environmental exposure, and skincare practices. External factors like harsh weather, pollution, and the use of certain skincare products can impact its effectiveness. Internally, hydration levels and overall skin health play a role in the barrier’s functionality.

How do ceramides in skin care help protect the skin barrier?

There are multiple benefits of Ceramides in skin care the major one being protecting the skin barrier. Following are a few ways by which ceramides help protect the skin barrier-

1. Restoring skin barrier function:

As mentioned earlier, ceramides are lipid molecules present in the outer layer of skin making up the skin barrier function. This barrier protects the underlying skin layers from various environmental stressors such as pollutants, microorganisms, harmful gases, and irritants. When ceramide levels are sufficient, the skin barrier is robust and functions optimally, preventing water loss and keeping harmful elements out.

2. Reducing transepidermal water loss:

Transepidermal loss occurs when moisture from the skin is evaporated into the atmosphere. Hence ceramides lock in the moisture by creating a strong skin barrier thereby minimizing transepidermal loss. This can thereby prevent the occurrence of dryness and flakiness, making your skin soft and subtle.

3. Enhancing skin elasticity:

The skin remains smooth and elastic when it is supplied with an adequate amount of ceramides. Ceramides help fill the spaces between skin cells, creating a cohesive structure that enhances the skin’s resilience and texture. This leads to a firmer, more toned appearance and reduces the likelihood of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Providing anti-inflammatory benefits:

When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to different skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Now, ceramides can help prevent this by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent that calm irritated skin. By maintaining balanced ceramide levels, the skin can heal more effectively by gaining better resistance against inflammation.

5. Balancing skin lipids:

A healthy skin barrier is often associated with an adequate amount and optimal balance of lipids. Lipid imbalance can often lead to extreme dryness or extreme oiliness, both of which are not healthy signs for a good skin barrier. Hence ceramides help restore this by maintaining a proper balance of lipids within skin cells to ensure that the skin barrier remains intact and functional.

6. Enhancing product absorption:

A well-maintained skin barrier allows for better absorption of skincare products. When the skin is healthy and intact, active ingredients from serums, moisturizers, and treatments can penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits. Ceramides, therefore, not only protect the skin but also enhance the efficacy of other skincare ingredients.

Now that you know the function of ceramides towards protecting the skin barrier, don’t you think it’s a must to include it in your skincare routine?

Introducing our beyondRice Rice ceramide gel cream

Our gel cream is a novel moisturizer that provides intense hydration to the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. It’s not only a non-greasy and lightweight gel but is also paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and alcohol-free. It is formulated with powerful ingredients such as:

• Rice ferment: It acts as an anti-ageing ingredient and is also known to boost collagen production which can lighten your dark spots and brighten your dry skin.
• Ceramides: It contains Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP that help restore the skin’s natural ceramides and strengthen its protective barrier.
• 17 amino acids: Supports skin repair and enhances texture and tone. Additionally, it increases collagen production, providing a brighter complexion.
• Hyaluronic acid: The most important ingredient for dry skin which is a moisture magnet that deeply hydrates, plumps your skin, reduces fine lines, and provides a smoother, suppler complexion when used in the long run.
• Glycerine: Draws in moisture, maintains hydration, and reinforces the skin’s barrier function.

Follow the link to purchase the product: https://beyondrice.in/store/face/rice-ceramide-face-gel-cream-moisturizer/ 

Use our product regularly and watch your skin glow!