What are ceramides (CERAMOSIDESᵀᴹ)?
Content:
- What exactly are ceramides?
- How do ceramides work?
- Types of ceramide
- What are the side effects of ceramides?
- How do you get ceramides naturally?
- Are ceramides safe?
What are ceramides (CERAMOSIDESᵀᴹ)?
Ceramides make up about 50% of the skin’s outer layer and help retain moisture and protect the skin. But as you age, the concentration of ceramides in the skin decreases. Read on to find out how ceramides affect your physical health and how to get more ceramides through diet or supplements.
What exactly are ceramides?
Ceramides are a group of fatty acids called lipids. They make up almost half of the epidermis (the outer layer). Ceramides are an important part of your physical health. In fact, they help create a layer that protects the skin from external damage while retaining moisture to prevent dehydration.[1]
Unfortunately, the concentration of ceramides in our skin decreases with age, leading to dehydration and wrinkles. There is little you can do to completely stop these natural processes. Fortunately, you can slow them down by supplementing the skin’s ceramides with creams or nutraceutical supplements. Stimulating the skin’s natural ceramide content can help restore moisture and suppleness and reduce skin irritation.
Ceramides versus peptides
Both ceramides and peptides are found in skin care creams, but there is a slight difference in their impact on the skin. Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that act as a kind of mortar between skin cells. Peptides, on the other hand, are short-chain amino acids that support cell signaling.
Both stimulate the skin’s natural ecosystem: ceramides are useful for reducing local irritation, itching and redness, and peptides help with overall skin sensitivity.
How do ceramides work?
You now know that up to 50% of our skin is made up of ceramides. But how exactly do they work?
– If your skin cells are the building blocks of your epidermis, ceramides are the mortar that hold the bricks together.
Ceramides provide stability and protection and hold skin cells together. This prevents external sources (such as pollution and environmental stressors) from penetrating the skin’s surface. Without ceramides, the skin would quickly dry out, making it more susceptible to damage and infection.
What do ceramides do for the skin?
We have already touched on several benefits, but below we summarize what ceramides can do for the skin. These benefits include:
– Reduce dry skin
– Support the skin’s natural barrier function
– Protect against environmental stressors
– Keeping the skin hydrated and supple
– Reduce the risk of infection and allergies
Interestingly, some studies suggest that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis have lower levels of ceramides in the skin. This does not necessarily mean that you will develop these conditions if you have less ceramides in your skin. However, it does point to a possible connection that deserves further investigation. [2] , [3]
Types of ceramide
You now know the impact of ceramides on your physical health. With that, it is high time to list the various species available. First, we have the two primary categories of ceramide: natural and synthetic.
– Natural ceramides occur in the epidermis and are produced by the body as part of the skin’s ecosystem.
– Synthetic ceramides (called pseudoceramides) are produced in a laboratory and are a versatile option for skin care products.
Within the two primary categories, there are 12 different types of ceramide. The functions are generally the same. But in skin care products, you can find different varieties. So it’s good to know what to look out for.
Of the 12 types of ceramide, the following are the most common:
– Sphingosine
– Phytosphingosine
– Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 6-II and 9
– Ceramosidesᵀᴹ
What are Ceramosidesᵀᴹ?
One of the most popular types of ceramide is a synthetic version called Ceramosidesᵀᴹ. This is a patented complex that uses phytoceramides and DGDG (a lipid from wheat) to help restore the skin’s ceramide content. One advantage of Ceramosidesᵀᴹ is that they are guaranteed to be free of gluten and preservatives.
More and more skin care products (including those from Cibdol) use Ceramosidesᵀᴹ to maximize the well-being of the entire skin. Its versatility and usability make it a welcome addition to natural skin care products that support skin hydration and anti-aging.
What are the side effects of ceramides?
You now know the mechanism of action and potential benefits of using ceramide. But are there any side effects to consider?
In general, ceramides have a good safety profile and are well tolerated. Because they already exist in the skin, side effects are usually due to secondary ingredients and not the ceramides themselves. That said, skin sensitivity varies from person to person.
– When trying a skin care product for the first time, it is essential to first test a small amount on a non-sensitive part of the skin.
If you have other concerns about the safety or suitability of skin care creams, it is best to discuss your questions with a doctor or dermatologist.
How do you get ceramides naturally?
It is possible to support the bodily production of ceramide by increasing the intake of healthy fats and focusing on specific foods. It is difficult to make an exact connection, but healthy fats are generally an excellent addition to most diets, so there is no reason not to try them.
Foods to focus on include:
– Wheat
– Rice
– Corn
– Sweet potatoes
Ceramides in skin care products
Besides adjusting your diet, high-quality creams and nutraceuticals are the most effective way to replenish ceramides. Both options can help maintain the body’s natural levels. This becomes especially important as you age and ceramide production slows down.
– When choosing a ceramide skin care product, the usual rules apply. Choose creams from reputable manufacturers and always check the ingredient list.
It is also wise to check what type(s) of ceramides have been used and what any additional ingredients are. It is increasingly common for ceramides to be combined with peptides, vitamins and minerals.
The last thing to look out for is the packaging. Ceramides begin to break down when exposed to light or air. Therefore, the packaging must be airtight and opaque to maintain the quality of the cream.
Are ceramides safe?
Ceramides are essential for protecting your skin and keeping it looking good. By promoting hydration and suppleness and protecting the skin from environmental factors, ceramides contribute to radiant skin. Moreover, it is quite easy for most people to add ceramides to their existing wellness routine using creams or nutraceutical supplements.
Do you have specific questions about ceramides or are you trying to address a particular skin condition? If so, it is always wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Experience youthful, radiant skin with Perfect Skin. Now available in Cibdol’s store, this product harnesses the soothing properties of Ceramosidesᵀᴹ to support the skin’s delicate ecosystem. Want to learn more about the benefits of nutraceuticals first? Then visit our Education section.
Resources
[1] Coderch L;López O;de la Maza A;Parra JL; L. Ceramides and skin function. American journal of clinical dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/. Gepubliceerd in 2003. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
[2] Tessema EN, Gebre-Mariam T, Neubert RHH, Wohlrab J. Potential applications of Phyto-derived ceramides in improving epidermal barrier function. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/464337. Gepubliceerd op 14 april 2017. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
[3] Borodzicz S, Rudnicka L, Mirowska-Guzel D, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. The role of epidermal sphingolipids in Dermatologic Diseases – lipids in health and disease. BioMed Central. https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-016-0178-7. Gepubliceerd op 19 januari 2016. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
Resources
[1] Coderch L;López O;de la Maza A;Parra JL; L. Ceramides and skin function. American journal of clinical dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/. Gepubliceerd in 2003. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
[2] Tessema EN, Gebre-Mariam T, Neubert RHH, Wohlrab J. Potential applications of Phyto-derived ceramides in improving epidermal barrier function. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/464337. Gepubliceerd op 14 april 2017. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
[3] Borodzicz S, Rudnicka L, Mirowska-Guzel D, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. The role of epidermal sphingolipids in Dermatologic Diseases – lipids in health and disease. BioMed Central. https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-016-0178-7. Gepubliceerd op 19 januari 2016. Accessed September 6, 2022. [Bron]
