The greatest feminine beauty attribute? First, strong and luminous hair. What is more, equally important is smooth skin, which makes every make-up and hairstyle look better. The ally in the battle of beautiful skin and hair are ceramides. What are those? Where to find them? How do these work?

Frequently, improper diet and unhealthy lifestyle contribute to the weakening of hair, nail and skin condition. Over the course of years, natural production of some components responsible for young appearance also decreases. Nowadays, the greatest attention is paid to two proteins loss: collagen and elastin, but also the deficit of hyaluronic acid with its moisturising action.

Since we are on the subject of wrinkles and other ageing signs of the organism, we should mention some more about the ceramides as these have a key role in inhibiting ageing processes.

What are ceramides?

According to the definition, ceramides are a family of waxy lipid molecules, which are present in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Until now, there are identified 11 different ceramides in our skin. All of which have an influence on the sooner and later appearing on first ageing signs. The number of ceramides decreases with age and after 40 years skin stops to produce it at all, which is a crucial piece of information.

What is ceramides function?

Ceramides have a very important function: they provide skin with a protective layer which prevents excess water loss. These also decide about skin elasticity and hair appearance. The right ceramides level is a key to firm and smooth skin as well as strong and glossy hair.

Natural ceramides enemies

The ceramides deficiency in skin and hair can be caused by two matters — either by age, or harmful factors of different origin. What is the most common reason for weakening the natural protective layer and elasticity of skin? The ceramides loss can be caused by, e.g. stress, habits (smoking) and UV radiation. We can also damage ceramides structure unknowingly by using too aggressive treatments and strong washing powder. It is worth to take it all into consideration.

How to complement ceramides shortage?

• Consider use of cosmetics with a content of ceramides in natural vegetable form (soy) or synthetic (so called pseudo-ceramides). These are the most common for creams, serum and ampoules for mature skin. Anti-age cosmetics can be used much earlier, for example, for dry skin.
• It is worth to introduce hair and skin oiling to your routine. Use for it vegetable oils such as avocado oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, argan oil or almond oil. These have high amounts of EFA and vitamins which help restore lipid structure, speed up regeneration and take care of proper skin and hair hydration.