Do you experience dry, flakey skin, irritation, or a dull complexion?
If you follow skincare trends, you've probably noticed the rise of ceramide supplements for hydrating the skin barrier and promoting a glowing complexion.
However, most people don't understand how ceramides work. We want to highlight this superstar skincare ingredient featured in our Glow with Your Gut supplement. Today, we explore why ceramides are a game-changer for radiant skin.
What Are Ceramides, and Why Are They Important?
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that form about half of your skin's outer barrier. They lock moisture in and promote healthy skin from the inside out. Ceramides keep your skin hydrated, plump, and supple.
Without adequate ceramides, your skin struggles to do its job as a barrier.
How Do Ceramides Work?
Your skin is your body’s largest organ that protects you from the outside world.
Ceramides, with other lipids like cholesterol, form a "waterproof" seal between your epidermal cells. In a way, they act like the cement between the bricks of a house. It ensures the barrier to the outside world is strong and healthy, keeping moisture in and harmful irritants, bacteria, and toxins out.
While ceramides are vital for a healthy skin structure, your natural levels decline due to age and other factors. Stress, smoking, sun damage, pollution, harsh soaps, and dry air also weaken the skin barrier.
Without enough ceramides, "cracks'' form in the skin barrier and allow moisture to escape. Your skin loses suppleness and flexibility, making it easier for skin inflammation, fine lines, and eczema to occur.
The Benefits of Ceramides for Skin Health
Here are some of the science-backed benefits of ceramides.
1. Slows Signs of Aging
The natural production of ceramides decreases when you hit 30. As you age, the outer layer of your skin thins, leading to wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.
A 2017 study found natural ceramide supplements increased skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness. Plus, by reducing water loss, wrinkles were less noticeable. This confirms that healthy ceramide levels are essential for a youthful glow!
2. Soothes Dry Skin
If your skin is low in ceramides, moisture rapidly evaporates on the surface via transepidermal water loss (TEWL). When this happens, it leads to dry, saggy, wrinkled, irritated, and dull skin. No amount of external hydration will help you lock in moisture.
However, a study on women with dry skin found taking 350 mg of ceramides a day reduced skin dryness and improved hydration after three months.
Ceramide supplements are helpful during the dry winter months when skin dryness and flakiness are worse for many of us.
3. Minimizes Skin Irritation
Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis are a disaster for self-confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life.
Researchers believe these issues arise when the outer layer of the skin is low in ceramides. It causes dry, inflamed skin and makes you more susceptible to acne, dermatitis, and eczema.
Ceramides could be the missing piece to feeling comfortable in your skin. A 2020 study found ceramide supplements decrease TEWL and soothe skin dryness, redness, and itching.
4. Reduces UV Damage
Too much time in the sun causes photoaging and damages your skin barrier. Interestingly, using ceramide-containing moisturizers and sunscreens may minimize the risk of skin redness, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration from UV exposure.
Incorporating Ceramide Supplements into Your Routine for Glowing Skin
You don't have to live with dry, irritated skin – you can boost your ceramide levels via supplements or topical creams.
Plant-based ceramides are one of the key ingredients in our Glow with Your Gut supplement, designed to support supple skin from within. The natural ceramides enter your bloodstream and get taken in by your skin cells.
If you have dry, sensitive skin, we recommend using ceramide-rich moisturizers and serums to supercharge your skincare routine and give you a dewy glow. That said, not all ceramide formulations are created equal. Talk to your dermatologist to find topical ceramides appropriate for your skin issues.
Do Ceramide Supplements Have Side Effects?
Most ceramide supplements are safe. However, everyone is different, so always talk to your doctor or dermatologist before starting any new supplement. Plus, if you use topical ceramides, do a patch test to check if you're sensitive to any ingredients.
Wrapping Up
In summary, ceramides are essential lipid molecules that seal your skin barrier for supple, plump, hydrated skin. While ceramide levels decline with age and poor lifestyle, ceramide supplements and skin care products may restore barrier function.
We should note that ceramides are just one piece of the puzzle – they are not a replacement for a whole food diet, regular exercise, good hydration, wearing SPF, and a regular skincare regimen.
If you are looking to invest in your skin and include ceramides in your skin care routine, why not give our Glow With Your Gut AM supplements a go. They have been specifically designed to support glowing skin using only natural, chemical free ingredients. You can shop them here.
Imagery Reference - Pinterest https://pin.it/4b4njSZU8
