The problem of dry skin and hair has a single solution – ceramides!
Ceramides are fats that are found in skin cells. They play an important role in preventing bacteria from entering your body and also work to preserve your skin’s moisture.
They are also a part of the hair cuticles, which protect the hair. A raised cuticle lets moisture leave easily, resulting in the weathering and breakdown of hair. Ceramides help flatten the cuticle, which helps improve the health, shine, elasticity, and life of your hair.
The amount of precious ceramide in your skin reduces with age. Due to this, your skin can become ashy and sensitive, and your hair can also become frizzy.
In this case, using ceramide or ceramide-based products like moisturizers, serums, and shampoos can help reduce and reverse the damage.
Table of Contents
Types and Sources of Ceramides
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There are two types of ceramides: natural and synthetic. Natural ceramides can be found in plants like soy and even in the outer layers of your skin.
Most skincare products use synthetic ceramides, which are manmade. This is because they are more stable than natural ceramides. Also, they cannot be easily polluted.
Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 6-II, and 9 are the synthetic ceramides that are most commonly used in skincare products. Phytosphingosine and Sphingosine are also common forms of synthetic ceramides.
You need to know what type of ceramide works for your skin. Ceramide 1, 3, or 6-II can help improve dry and inflamed skin. Ceramide 3 particularly helps in hydration.
Here are 7 ways in which ceramides benefit you and also your skin and hair
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1. Nourishes the skin barrier
Research by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology states that creams containing ceramide help treat damaged outer skin.
Ceramide protects the skin from germs causing infection and allergies, like bacteria and fungi. It also builds up the protective barrier of the skin.
Problems like sensitive skin and eczema, where you can experience inflamed skin, can be improved by using ceramides.
2. Stabilises pH levels
As the skin ages, your pH tends to become higher. An unbalanced skin pH leads to breakouts, wrinkles, and fine lines.
The ceramides and hyaluronic acid can help balance your skin’s pH levels.
3. Helps deal with dry skin
Pollution, seasonal, and lifestyle changes and dehydration can make your skin dry and flaky.
A 2018 study states that ceramide-based moisturizers are more effective than normal moisturizers.
Ceramides also provide long-lasting hydration and help repair damaged cells. They lock in moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating quickly.
4. Helps maintain the skin’s elasticity
Ceramides work to reduce transepidermal water loss and seal in the moisture in the skin. This makes your skin firm.
Ceramides act as an anti-ageing product.
5. Helps treat damaged or colored hair
So you decided that you want to look like Vicky from Manmarziyaan, then color your hair blue. However, you were unsuccessful in finding your Rumi. In the process, you were also left with damaged hair.
Ceramides can help. But only when dealing with chemically damaged hair.
Ceramides hair masks help protect the hair by supporting the cuticle structure.
6. Restores hair texture
Sometimes when you style your hair by coloring or curling it, you can damage it. This can be due to chemical or heat damage. It can also increase your hair breakage.
Ceramide hair masks work to reduce the friction in hair and decrease hair breakage and loss caused by it.
7. Improves quality of hair
Ceramides have conditioning qualities that can give you smooth hair. It hydrates the hair and makes it shiny.
Ceramides work on the scalp and make hair stronger. It functions as a savior for dehydrated and frizzy hair. They help maintain cell cohesion within the hair.
Products to use with ceramides
Ceramide is like the Shahrukh Khan of skin care. It works well with all skincare products, as Shahrukh does with all actresses. But also, like Shahrukh, who works best with Kajol, ceramide works best with some specific products.
1. Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid work together to hydrate the skin. The hyaluronic acid increases the moisture content, and ceramides work to lock it in the skin.
UrbanBotanics 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum works well with ceramides. It helps hydrate the skin and makes it shinier. It can be used for all skin types, and even using as little as 4–5 drops of the serum twice a day can be effective .
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2. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin and brighten your skin. It also reduces mild acne. It works well with ceramides to help smoothen the skin and reduce age lines.
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face is a good product for people with oily skin. It controls oil production and reduces and protects the skin from acne-causing germs. It also cleanses the skin. You can see a difference within 3– 6 weeks of using it.
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3. Retinol
Retinol helps reduce breakouts and wrinkles. It increases cell turnover and helps restore the skin. Retinol and ceramides help strengthen the cells.
The Elinor Retinol with Niacinamide Night Cream is a good product to use with ceramides. It increases collagen production. It is a cruelty-free product, and it reduces skin pigmentation.
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4. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is vitamin B3. It improves your skin texture and pore size. It can be used with ceramides to comfort your skin and make it even.
You can use Plum’s 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water with ceramides. It improves your skin’s brightness and reduces acne marks. It consists of rice water that protects your skin from sun damage. It is suitable for all skin types.
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How to Use Ceramides on the Skin
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Ceramides used in moisturizers are the most effective when they are used immediately after a shower. This helps lock in extra moisture.
You can use them after completing your skincare routine as the last step. By applying them twice every day, you can keep the skin hydrated.
How to Use Ceramides on Hair
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Ceramides mesh well with all your haircare products. It can be easily included in your haircare routine. It can also be used daily.
All hair types can use ceramides. It is especially valuable for people with dry or damaged hair.
Say you are already in love with an anti-dandruff shampoo. You can add ceramides to this. It can help you improve your effectiveness by locking in the anti-dandruff qualities.
Ceramides are used in shampoos and conditioners to strengthen the hair. It is also used in hair serums and masks.
Ceramides can also be found in hemp oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and safflower oil.
What are the Side Effects of Using Ceramides?
Modern synthetic ceramides for skin and hair used in moisturizers and conditioners are generally safe to use.
There is no particular research or report that points out any severe effects of using ceramides. But to be on the safer side, you should do a patch test to see its reaction to your skin.
For a patch test, you should apply a small amount of the product on your inner forearm. If you don’t feel any redness or irritation within 24 hours, then the product is safe to be used.
The Bottomline
Ceramides for hair and skin help you to hydrate and healthify them. This readily available product is suitable for all skin and hair types but is most beneficial for dry skin and damaged hair. Once you try it, there is no going back on it.
Try it for yourself and see visible results within a week.