What’s The Deal With Ceramides?

You pride yourself on being in the know, so to help you stay up to date on current skincare trends, we want to fill you in on Ceramides. As one of the latest moisturizing ingredients to take over the beauty world, we urge you to think of them as water retention – but in a good way! We don’t want you to lose any beauty sleep wondering, “What are Ceramides good for?”, so here’s the lowdown on the definition and benefits of Ceramides in skin care.

Ceramides Defined Ceramides are a type of fatty acid that comprise 50% of the lipids within your skin's natural moisture barrier and 30-40% of your epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. They are part of the natural adhesive that ensures skin cells remain bonded together to maintain a healthy and strong protective skin barrier. Without ample quantities of quality Ceramides, skin becomes prone to dryness, sensitivity, reactions, and conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis, exhibited by itching and redness, rosacea flare-ups, or scaly roughness due to Ichthyosis. As we age, we produce less and poor-quality Ceramides, leaving the skin even more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and the skin conditions just described. There are nine to twelve classes (depending on who you ask) with two main types: Water-loving Ceramides (hydrophilic) that lock in moisture and Water-repelling Ceramides (hydrophobic) that act as occlusives, keeping water away from your skin surface.

Benefits of Ceramides Do Ceramides in skincare work? Indeed, they can! They seal in moisture essential for skin detoxification, nutrition, and repair while fortifying defenses against environmental damage and geo-aggressors like allergens, bacteria, toxins, and pollutants. Together these barrier-strengthening actions guard against infection, dryness, and irritation, promoting optimal skin barrier function and health. In addition, these moisturizers help with age defense and appearance, keeping skin soft, dewy, and youthful-looking. Studies show that when applied topically Ceramides can be a great complement to patients using prescription acne treatments.

Beyond the Bandwagon Are Ceramides a warranted hot trend or hype? There is a lot of technical talk about needing the correct type of Ceramide, the right amount or perfect ratio, and a combination of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and lipids for them to work their magic. But the skincare “holy trinity” is not a polite skincare conversation. Confused yet? Relax! You don’t have to have a chemistry degree to take care of your skin and neither of the “musts” about the type and mix of Ceramides are backed by scientific studies.

Ceramides in Skincare Products There are multiple different types of Ceramides in skincare, both synthetic and naturally derived. There are twelve synthetic PseudoCeramides: Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOS), Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS or NG), Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP), 6-11 (Ceramide AP), and Ceramide 9 (Ceramide EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Sphingosine. Commonly used in commercial skincare formulas and deemed more stable and contaminant-free than natural versions, these synthetic ingredients don’t align with clean beauty standards. However, naturally derived Ceramides sourced from plant based Ceramides do! Ceramides naturally occur in Jojoba Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, and Grapeseed Oil, with high concentrations as follows:

• Jojoba Oil: 96% Ceramides
• Safflower Oil: 78% Ceramides
• Grapeseed Oil: 73% Ceramides
• Sunflower Oil: 68% Ceramides
• Soybean Oil: 51% Ceramides

These natural oils supplement the skin’s lipid bilayer, which safely and effectively prevents Transepidermal water loss and assists in barrier function. They also occur in a lower concentration, 10%, in olive-derived Squalane.

About Natural Ceramides One of the most significant points of difference between synthetic Ceramides and naturally-occurring Ceramides present in plant oils is that the latter provides added benefits for the skin. Here’s how:

• Jojoba Oil – Similar to the oil we naturally produce, the liquid wax and oil extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia Chinensis Plant can be deeply absorbed. It moisturizes, smooths fine lines, and helps control sebum production without clogging pores.
• Rich in antioxidant Vitamin E and exceptionally stable, it protects against free radicals, repairs, and has a soothing effect. Studies show that the wax esters are excellent for repairing the skin barrier and alleviating many skin conditions.
• Safflower Oil – This lightweight, unsaturated oil extracted from the seeds of the Carthamus Tinctorius Plant contains 70% Linoleic Acid and 10% Oleic Acid to maintain skin-tegrity, and is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to extraordinary moisturizing emollient benefits that leave skin soft and smooth.
• Soybean Oil – Rich in Vitamin E and Linoleic Acid, this antioxidant-rich oil lubricates the skin, helping prevent moisture loss. It provides a strengthening effect on the skin, reinforcing the protective barrier. While some studies indicate it offers protection against UVB rays, it is best to consider it a sunscreen helper, not a replacement.
• Sunflower Oil – Extracted from the seeds of sunflower plants, this emollient oil effectively increases the skin’s moisture content, leaving it softer and smoother.

Ceramides in Pevonia Although Pevonia does not have isolated Ceramides as an ingredient, it is no coincidence that these lipids are in over 1/3 of our product lineup! Check out these top-sellers bursting with Ceramide-rich oils.

• Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 40– Jojoba Oil in this moisturizing sunscreen makes this bluelight protection formula suitable for all skin types and concerns.
• Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream& RS2 Care Cream – Understandably our #1 & #2 fan favorites as both Ceramide moisturizers are bursting with Safflower Seed Oil and Squalane –makes you wonder if your skin is choosing what you use, or if you are!
• Vitaminic Concentrate& De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil – Rich in Safflower Oil, this Ceramide serum and face oil are just what dry skin craves.
• Collagen Hand Cream– Cracked, dry hands will experience comforting relief thanks to the Ceramide-rich Safflower Oil.
• Lumafirm Repair Cream - Lift & Glow– With Soybean Oil from non-GMO soybeans, it penetrates instantly, softening and smoothing the skin with breathable moisture, leaving it luminous and taut.
• Dry Oil Body Moisturizer– Safflower Oil, Squalane, and bonus Macadamia Nut Oil make this quickly penetrating oil a smoothing dry skin saver.

Pevonia also includes Shea Butter in our YouthRenew Tinted Cream, Ageless Skin Collagen Mask, and many more formulas, as it has shown influence upon producing precursors to Ceramides for further skin barrier support. Want to maximize results for your healthiest skin ever? Boost skin health with an in-depth consultation for your ideal products and professional treatments. To complement the beautiful outcomes achieved with our bestsellers, visit Find A Spa for an oasis near you offering Pevonia, and ask for the Collagen Polypeptides with Myoxy-Caviar Ampoule Treatment, Rosacea Mask Treatment or Anti-Free Radicals Mask Treatment.