Shape Singapore – August 2019

TEXT

JOYCE CHEO

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123RF.COM

Are ceramides di erent from

humectants like glycerin and

hyaluronic acid?

While ceramides and ingredients like glycerine

and hyaluronic acid might seem like they

do the same thing, they actually have very

di erent functions. Glycerine and hyaluronic

acid are humectants. When applied, they

draw moisture from their surroundings to

keep skin plump and supple. Ceramides work

at a cellular level to replenish skin with the

lipids (natural oils) it needs to rebuild and

strengthen its protective barrier so it is able to

hold moisture in and keep irritants out.

What products should I try?

For dry skin, try  1 Curel Moisture Cream

($38.80; 40g) as it e ectively penetrates

the skin’s stratum corneum to replenish lost

lipids while amplifying skin’s natural ability to

What are ceramides?

Your skin’s waterproof lipid layer covers

and protects your body from external

factors. Ceramides make up a huge part

of this uppermost layer of the skin. In

fact, 40 per cent of intercellular lipids are

ceramides, 25 per cent are cholesterol

and 25 per cent are fatty acids. Hence,

ceramides play a crucial role in ensuring

that your skin functions optimally.

What causes ceramide

depletion?

Like many benefi cial compounds in our

skin, the level of ceramides can decrease

due to various reasons, including ageing,

drastic climate changes, and sun

damage. In fact, people who spend a

lot of time in the sun tend to have drier

skin because of depleted ceramide

levels. Using overly harsh cleansers can

have the same e ect. Those dealing

with eczema and psoriasis might also

be lacking in certain types of ceramides,

which is why creams and lotions

prescribed for the treatment of such skin

conditions often contain this ingredient.

Who needs ceramides?

Everyone benefi ts from ceramides

because, even if your skin is smooth and

plump, they help to maintain healthy,

supple skin in the long run. Another

good reason to include ceramides in your

skincare is when you’re travelling to a cold

climate. They alleviate feelings of dryness

and tightness.

produce ceramides. If you’re looking for a

toner,  ^2 Lapothicell Ceramide Hydra Fluid

($48; 125ml) is formulated with purifi ed

ceramide and hyaluronic acid to balance,

replenish and hydrate skin instantly and

over time.

3 Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide

Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

($169 for 90 capsules) is great for travellers

because of its packaging. It delivers

skin-compatible ceramides to restore a

compromised skin barrier to relieve dryness

instantly as well as improve skin elasticity.

And if you’re willing to splurge, treat

yourself to 4 SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid

Restore ($248; 48ml). It contains an

optimal ratio of ceramides, cholesterol

and fatty acids to reinforce skin’s barrier

layer and support its natural self-repair

mechanism.

I

f you’re beginning to notice that your skin seems drier than it used to be, its barrier

function might be compromised. This disrupts its ability to retain moisture in the top

layers. Pollutants and irritants are also more likely to damage skin when this happens.

The root cause of it all? A defi ciency in ceramides in your skin’s lipid barrier. Keep

reading to fi nd out the top facts about ceramides, what you need to know to ensure healthy

skin, and the products to use.

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SHAPE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 | LOOK GREAT | 91