Dry skin and wrinkles: It could be ceramide deficiency

IN THIS ARTICLE

01 What are ceramides 02 How does a ceramide deficiency manifest itself? 03 Which foods contain ceramides? 04 How do ceramides work as a dietary supplement? 05 How long does it take for ceramides to improve the skin as a dietary supplement? 06 Which is more effective? Dietary supplements or creams? 07 Conclusion

If your skin lacks glow and starts to show wrinkles, it could be due to a ceramide deficiency.

Are you in your 30s and noticing that your skin is increasingly losing elasticity and moisture? Feeling frustrated because no moisturizer or anti-aging products seem to help? Then you should definitely look into ceramides – the beauty elixir for your skin from the age of 30.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are natural lipids found in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. They are essential for a healthy skin barrier and a youthful appearance. However, as we age, the ceramide content in the skin decreases, which can lead to a weakened skin barrier, loss of moisture and premature skin ageing. Ceramides are lipids or fats that naturally occur in high concentrations in the upper layers of the skin. They make up more than 40 % of the skin’s composition and play a very important role in protecting the skin from environmental influences. In the upper skin layer, ceramides are important for the skin’s barrier function. They act as a “glue” or “mortar” that binds the brick-like surface cells of the skin together and holds them together. This barrier provides protection against environmental toxins, bacteria and moisture loss. However, ceramides also have a stimulating effect on cell activity in the deeper skin layer and stimulate the production of proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This dual action protects the skin and makes ceramides so important for the healthy and youthful appearance of your skin.

How does a ceramide deficiency manifest itself?

A ceramide deficiency in the skin can manifest itself through various symptoms. Here are some signs you should look out for:

1. Dry and rough skin: An insufficient amount of ceramides can cause the skin to be unable to retain its moisture. This can cause the skin to become dry and rough.
2. Itching and redness: A weakened skin barrier can allow irritants, allergens or bacteria to penetrate the skin more easily, resulting in itching and redness. There is even research that a ceramide deficiency may play a role in skin diseases such as rosacea.
3. Sensitivity to external influences: A weakened skin barrier can also cause the skin to react more sensitively to external influences such as the sun, wind or cold.
4. Premature skin aging: Ceramides are also responsible for skin regeneration and the production of collagen and elastin. A lack of ceramides can cause the skin to age faster, develop more wrinkles and lose elasticity.

If you notice some of these symptoms, you may have a ceramide deficiency. Taking supplements containing ceramides, such as Ogaenics Timeless Skin Complex, can then be helpful. Dryness, redness and irritation are reduced.  

Which foods contain ceramides?

Ceramides occur naturally in many foods, especially in plant sources such as whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as in animal products such as eggs, milk and meat. However, it is important to note that the ceramide content in food is unfortunately not sufficient to achieve a desired effect on the skin. For this reason, there are dietary supplements that are specifically designed to supply ceramides, such as the Timeless Skin Anti Wrinkle Complex with ceramides.

How do ceramides work as a dietary supplement?

Ceramides as a dietary supplement can have different effects on the skin. Here are some possible effects:

• Improving the skin barrier: Ceramides support the structure of the skin barrier and ensure that it can better retain moisture and protect against harmful environmental influences.
• Reduction of wrinkles: By strengthening the skin barrier and protecting it from environmental damage, the use of ceramides can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Support collagen formation: Ceramides can also promote the production of collagen, which is important for the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
• Soothing irritated skin: People with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions such as rosacea may benefit from taking ceramides as they have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Wound healing support: Ceramides can also promote wound healing by stimulating cell regeneration and strengthening the skin barrier.

Overall, ceramides as a dietary supplement can help improve the health and appearance of the skin by supporting its natural protection and repair mechanisms.

Oxidative stress and cell protection

In addition to a ceramide deficiency, oxidative stress caused by environmental influences such as UV radiation, air pollution or an unbalanced diet can contribute to skin ageing.
Antioxidants help to neutralize these free radicals.
This is where Cellular Life from Ogaenics supports the antioxidant system and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
While Timeless Skin specifically replenishes ceramides, Cellular Life Cellular Life ensures that the cells remain healthy and counteracts premature skin ageing.
A super combination.

How long does it take for ceramides to improve the skin?

The time it takes to see an improvement in the skin after taking ceramides as a dietary supplement can vary from person to person. It depends, for example, on the severity of the ceramide deficiency, the age of the person and their general health. However, studies have shown that continuous intake of ceramides over a period of up to 12 weeks is required to achieve visible improvement. However, initial, visible results have already been demonstrated in studies after four weeks. The full effect of orally ingested ceramides, on the other hand, develops over a period of 4-12 weeks.   However, it is important to note that taking ceramides alone is not enough to maintain healthy skin. A healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and protection from UV rays are also important factors for healthy skin.

Which is better: ceramides as a dietary supplement or cream?

Both the intake of ceramides as a dietary supplement and the use of ceramide-containing creams can help to improve the skin’s ceramide balance. However, ceramides taken from within can have a deeper effect on the skin, as they can strengthen the skin barrier from within and stimulate ceramide production in skin cells. Ceramide-containing creams, on the other hand, have a more superficial effect and can help to bind moisture in the skin and protect the skin barrier.  

Conclusion

Ceramides are lipids (fats) that occur naturally in the skin. They have an important role in protecting the skin from damage caused by environmental stimuli and maintain the youthful radiance of the skin. When we age or our skin is already damaged (e.g. by the sun), the ceramide content of the skin decreases. This can lead to dry, rough skin, as well as wrinkles, redness and irritation. Externally supplied ceramides can compensate for this and help the skin look younger, retain more moisture and be firm and supple. The supplementation achieves significantly better results than cosmetic products with ceramides.