Lately, we encounter the name "ceramides" more and more often. What do they represent? How can they be beneficial? Where do we find them?

What are Ceramides? In general, they are lipids (fats). They are found in cell membranes, where they have structural and signaling functions. Ceramides constitute 50% of the stratum corneum of the skin (The stratum corneum consists of 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, and 15% free fatty acids). Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, they form the lipid matrix, which, like glue, holds together the corneocytes and provides the skin's barrier function. They prevent excessive moisture loss and protect against external pollutants, preventing the penetration of pathogens. Additionally, they maintain the dynamics of life processes in the skin layers. To a large extent, they are responsible for the density, elasticity, and youthful appearance of the skin, as well as the smoothness, strength, and health of the hair.

Why do Ceramides Decrease? With age, a decrease in ceramides and cholesterol in the human stratum corneum is observed, which is precisely why the use of cosmetic products with ceramides reduces this process and helps restore the skin's normal functions. Ceramides can be damaged by some diseases, excessive sun exposure, chemicals, frequent washing with too hot water, and aggressive agents.

What are the Consequences of Decreased Ceramides? When ceramides are insufficient or damaged, the skin loses its barrier capabilities, becomes thinner, permeable, dry, and rough. It becomes easily irritated and reddened, visibly dehydrated. Many unwanted conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, are associated with decreased ceramides in the stratum corneum. The first fine lines and wrinkles appear.

Benefits of Ceramides in Cosmetics Ceramides are widely used in cosmetics because they can make the skin more compact, radiant, elastic, and resilient. They lead to:

• Restoration of its barrier-protective powers
• Keeping it hydrated, healthy, and vibrant, filling in lines and wrinkles
• Improvement of the condition of the skin in various problems and diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.
• They reflect well on all skin and hair types.

Ceramides favor dry, combination, oily, mature, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Ceramides can be found as ingredients in some topical medications for the skin, used as an adjunct to the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema. They are also used in cosmetic products such as some soaps, shampoos, skin creams, and sunscreens to prevent excessive water loss from healthy skin. They alleviate redness and itching, delay the appearance of fine lines, and reduce the skin's aging process.

Apply cosmetics with ceramides immediately after bathing to allow them to truly retain moisture in the skin. Daily and year-round use of products containing ceramides would help maintain the elasticity, hydration, youthfulness, and radiance of both healthy skin and skin with a disrupted skin barrier.