Ceramides and peptides- if you don't know what they are-you're not alone. In fact, prior to the revival of these terms in the latter 2020s, especially, 2024, people may have heard of them, but not many people had a good understanding of what they were beyond that they pertained to skincare.
Ceramides are natural lipids (fats) that make up a large part of the outer layer of your skin. Think of them as the builders of your skin's outer layer, guarding and protecting the skin by keeping irritants out, and water inside (barrier strength). This helps protect skin from drying out, sensitivities, and free radical damage. Ceramides are naturally produced by our bodies. By age 20, ceramide levels begin to drop about 1% a year.
Peptides are short-chain amino acids that work from the inside of the ceramide outer layer, constructing proteins, such as collagen and keratin (essential for healthy skin). Peptides are produced throughout the body but began to decline with age.
Imagine that your skin is a fancy restaurant. Your cells are chefs, cooking up collagen, elastin, and keratin, and your peptides are waiters, letting the cells know when they need to cook more.
In other words, your peptides let your cells know when to produce more collagen, elastin, and keratin which contributes to smoother, firmer skin, less fine lines and wrinkles, and reduced inflammation.
Ceramides build and maintain a strong barrier, while peptides initiate repairs on the inside. Both work synergistically to strengthen the barrier.
What you need to know:
- Ceramides: Help prevent water loss and protect against free radical damage.
- Peptides: Provide anti-aging benefits that help improve firmness and elasticity in skin and are repair damage.
- Ceramides and peptides are naturally produced by the body, though they began to decline as we age.
- You can purchase skincare products that contain ceramides and peptides.
- Some oils with high omega-6 (linoleic acid) content, are ceramide-like, such as jojoba and grapeseed.
- Best For: People who are primarily looking to hydrate dry skin, soothe conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and additional moisture barrier protection.
Visit News – Dollhouse Botanicals for more information about skincare!