If you suffer from dry skin and related issues, you have probably come across the term “ceramides” while looking for solutions. But did you know that there are more than 20 kinds of ceramides present in the human body? The question you need to be asking, therefore, is if your solution even contains the ceramides your skin is lacking.
Ceramides: the skin’s natural barrier
Ceramides are lipids or a type of fat that contributes to building the outer layer of the skin. They make up almost 30-40% of a person’s outer skin or the epidermis and therefore play an important role in protecting your skin against environmental damage and toxins. If your skin's ceramide content decreases (which often happens with age), you start developing skin problems like dryness and irritation.
Natural vs synthetic ceramides
Natural ceramides are inherently present in the outer layers of our skin, as well as in other animals and plants like soy etc. Synthetic ceramides, on the other hand (also known as pseudo-ceramides), are man-made lipids that are widely used in skincare products to help protect and restore the skin barrier as they are considered to be more stable than natural ceramides.
However, there are more than 20 types of ceramides present in the skin but many of the skincare formulations usually can only provide 3-6 types of ceramides, which in many cases are not even needed by the skin. It then becomes clear that these products are not very effective when it comes to restoring the skin barrier or protecting it.
Ceramide Boosters vs Prolipids
To restore moisture perfectly and naturally, it is essential for your skin to itself produce the ceramides that it is lacking. One way to do this is by making use of science-backed skin care solutions such as the Prolipid technology. It helps in restoring the natural nutrients of the skin by promoting the growth of ceramides and lipid precursors, thereby retaining the skin’s moisture content. The lipid precursors form a rigid barrier to prevent moisture loss from the skin and protect it from further damage.
Prolipids are far superior in action when compared to synthetic ceramides, which do little for moisture restoration and skin protection. Technologically driven Prolipids on the other hand, work on a deeper level to prevent transepidermal water loss and keep the skin hydrated, nourished, and also reduce signs of ageing.
They also help catalyze the skin to generate the right ceramides needed to replenish itself and maintain its texture and elasticity. Their effects can last up to 24 hours on a single application and they’re non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and anti-inflammatory, making them ideal for restoring dry and damaged skin.
A better solution
This just goes on to prove that just because something is gaining popularity, doesn’t mean it is the ideal solution for your skin problems. While ceramides are widely used in skincare formulations, they’re not the ideal solution for dry skin as they do very little to alleviate this condition. When choosing products for your skin, it is important to do your due diligence and opt for expert-backed and clinically-proven solutions that genuinely work as they say.
