Winter Complexion Woes?

by Diana Zuban

See: Ceramides

Few things in this world are certain, but one thing you can rely on is winter’s ability to disturb even the most balanced, well-maintained skin. Maybe not immediately, but certainly over time. Because when the temp drops, so does the moisture content in our skin. Add in biting winds, scalding showers and 24/7 heating and soon enough, it’s a dry skin disaster. Cue: winter weary skin that looks and feels dull, ashy and tight - at best.

Fortunately, simple skincare formula swaps can help rescue your moisture barrier during the cold snap season (and beyond) and keep skin adequality nourished, comfortable and – even! - radiant. How? Ceramides.

We’ve touched on this hero ingredient before, but now – enduring the drying throes of Winter – Ceramides deserve a closer look.

Ceramides 101

So, what are Ceramides and what do they do? Well, they're a type of lipid (aka fat molecule) that naturally occurs in our skin cells. Essentially, they work to help reinforce the skin’s barrier function, which is vital for keeping skin cells healthy, protecting against drying external aggressors and stopping bacteria and infections from entering the body. If you think of your skin cells as bricks, then ceramides are the mortar that bind them. They’re integral.

And while harsh winter weather – as well as ageing, sun damage and certain skin conditions - can disrupt the natural ceramide levels in our skin (boo!), incorporating ceramides into your skincare regime can replenish levels topically (hooray!). In fact, with continued regular use of topical Ceramides in your skincare, you can expect to see and feel boosted moisture levels in as little as a week. So let’s get started.

Ceramides Skincare Swaps

Easy to incorporate at any – or every! - step, Ceramides can be found in a variety of skincare products, most typically moisture-focussed serums , creams/lotions and overnight balms. Though you’ll spot different types of ceramides on ingredient lists (such as Ceramide AP, NP, NG, NS or EOP, to name a few), ultimately, they all function very similarly to strengthen and support skin’s barrier. When it comes to skincare, all Ceramides are good Ceramides. And you can find them in the following Natio skincare products: