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Ingredient Focus, Product Spotlight
LET’S TALK CERAMIDES
How ceramides benefit your skin...
Lock down precious moisture, reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and improve the visible signs of ageing…
There are certain skincare ingredients you’ll see time and time again (and for good reason), such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. But there is another you’ll often find, that also truly justifies its place in formulations: ceramides. Here, we dig a bit deeper to find out why it’s a hero must-have.
What are ceramides and how do they work?
Alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids, ceramides are a type of lipid (fat molecule) naturally present in the outermost layer of the epidermis (the stratum corneum). Ceramides make up over 50% of the skin’s composition and play a vital role in its barrier function and integrity.
Ceramides are the core building blocks of the skin. They bond together the cells on its surface (think of cement between bricks) to provide a solid layer that protects the rest of the skin. This layer promotes plumpness and suppleness by sealing in moisture, while also serving as a valuable shield against environmental stressors. Essentially, ceramides keep the stratum corneum intact, so that it’s strong and healthy.
If we naturally produce ceramides, why do we need them in skincare products?
Similar to natural collagen, our ceramide reserves diminish as we age (mainly from our ‘30s onwards). In addition, ceramide depletion can be caused by exposure to sun and pollution, extreme weather, genetic or hormonal factors – even harsh products, overly zealous scrubbing or hot water. The result: a weakened barrier that is less able to safeguard against micro-organisms and irritants, and is less efficient at retaining the water necessary for epidermal equilibrium. This can manifest as dryness, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, irritation or redness, plus the increased risk of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or acne.
The good news is that you can help to replenish ceramides via well-formulated, ceramide-based moisturisers, serums, toners and body creams and lotions. These products assist in reinforcing the natural barrier and preventing water loss, so that the skin is better protected against harmful elements, its hydration and condition is improved, and it takes on more youthful appearance – plumper, firmer and smoother, with less visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Which skin type benefits from ceramide-based products?
Since synthetic ceramides closely resemble our own naturally occurring ceramides, these ‘bio-identical’ ingredients are beneficial to all skin types; particularly useful to dry or ageing skin, they can even work well on oily or acne-prone (products with ceramides can also be used around the eyes). You simply need to choose the formulation that targets your specific skin concerns.
Which other ingredients work well with ceramides?
In skincare, ceramides complement a large array of other ingredients. Formulations that combine ceramides with moisturisers, such as free fatty acids, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid or glycerine, will further promote barrier repair. A marriage of ceramides and powerful actives, such as peptides, retinol and antioxidants, will help to stall the visible signs of ageing. Blending ceramides with AHAs or BHAs works well, as the ceramides can better penetrate the exfoliated skin.
How can ceramides be found on the ingredients label:
You may see ceramides appear as different names on a product: ceramide NP, AP, EOP, NG, NP or NS. Although there may be some difference in their structure, they serve a similar purpose. You might also see ‘phytosphingosine’ and ‘sphingosine’, which help the skin to produce more ceramides.
BEAUTYLAB® Re-energizing Ceramide Mask
• Ideal for all skin types
This award-winning mask blends lipid-restoring ceramides with sea plant, peptides, hydro-silk and wild yam. Deeply hydrating and moisturising, it enhances skin firmness, plumps out fine lines and keeps the complexion looking and feeling younger, fresher and beautifully conditioned.
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Awards Winners
£25.00
Anti-Ageing
£35.00
BeautyLab® Retinol Serum
• Ideal for skin that is aged, prematurely aged, pigmented, dull, blemished, with large pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
Packed with powerhouse ingredients, this much-loved serum combines retinol, ceramides, niacinamide, vitamins and zinc. Highly rejuvenating, it targets multiple skin concerns, smooths and brightens, provides powerful antioxidant protection and reveals a smooth, more uniform and younger looking complexion.
SHOP NOWBeautyLab® Youth Elixir Intensely Nourishing Revitalizing Mask
Ideal for skin that is aged, thinning, lacking firmness, hyperpigmented, with deep lines and wrinkles.
Calling upon ceramides, orchid stem cell, green tea stem cell and a mineral peptide complex, this intelligent mask supports collagen and cell renewal. It provides intense moisture, helps to improve skin density and assists in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. A truly nourishing treatment for a more youthful and vital complexion.
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£83.00
Essential Bodycare
£20.00
BeautyLab® Intense Moisture Rescue Cream
Ideal for dry or very dry skin.
This powerfully hydrating body cream packs a punch with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, green tea and aloe. Super-softening, smoothing and soothing, it works to replenish natural lipids, fortify the protective barrier and provide a shield against environmental threats. The skin is cocooned in moisture and feels petal-soft and comforted.
SHOP NOWBeautyLab® After-Sun Cooling Lotion
Ideal for all skin types
For après-sun skin that needs some TLC, this calming and refreshing lotion brings together a blend of ceramides, aloe, peptides and vitamins. Hydrating and moisturising, it helps to minimise sun damage and restore the protective barrier. The complexion is left nourished, soothed, protected and pampered.
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Sun Protection
£19.00
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