What Do Ceramides and Fatty Acids Have to Do With It?

You asked: what do ceramides and fatty acids have to do with beautiful, radiant skin? Today we’re going to take a closer look at the benefits of ceramides (1) and fatty acids, and how they can help improve your clients' skin health.

A properly functioning stratum corneum (SC) is essential for healthy skin. The structure of the stratum corneum is arranged in a brick-and-mortar style that are embedded in a lipid-enriched extracellular matrix – think of this matrix as the glue or mortar.

The stratum corneum is a water-repellent blend of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol that restrict the outward flow of water and electrolytes, but also the inward absorption of chemical substances, allergens, and microbial pathogens.

As we age, our skin produces fewer ceramides, which can lead to a weakened skin barrier and increased water loss. This loss can contribute to dryness, sensitivity, and other skin concerns.

CERAMIDES
Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that are naturally found in the skin. They make up a significant portion of the skin barrier, which helps protect the skin from damage and dehydration.

Using skincare products that contain ceramides can help replenish these essential lipids and support a healthy skin barrier. Here are some of the benefits of using ceramides in your clients' skincare routine:

• Moisture retention. Ceramides help to lock in moisture, preventing dehydration and helping to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
• Protection. Ceramides help to strengthen the skin barrier, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and other factors that can cause damage and premature aging.
• Soothing. Ceramides can help to calm and soothe irritated, inflamed skin, making them a great choice for clients with sensitive or reactive skin.

FATTY ACIDS
Fatty acids are another important component of the skin barrier (2). They are essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, and can be found in a variety of foods and skincare products.

Here are some of the benefits of using fatty acids in your clients' skincare routine:

• Hydration. Fatty acids help to prevent moisture loss, keeping the skin hydrated and plump.
• Anti-inflammatory. Fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
• Nourishing. Fatty acids help to nourish the skin, providing essential nutrients and vitamins that can help improve skin health and appearance.

Together, ceramides and fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing moisture loss. They can be found in a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I highlight products that I trust to restore the skin barrier and microbiome. These products often include ceramides and fatty acids.

When selecting products for your clients, look for those that contain high concentrations of these key ingredients, and consider recommending a daily routine that includes a ceramide-rich moisturizer and a fatty acid-infused serum.

Knowing how, what type, and when to include ceramides and fatty acid ingredients into your clients' skincare routines, positions you as the powerful, amazing esthetician that we both know that you are.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6197824/ 

2. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids