Hyaluronic Acid And Ceramides Are A Match Made In Skincare Heaven
Looking after your largest organ is nothing short of chemistry, especially when you begin mixing or layering different products. Skincare corporations and companies have helped to make it easier than ever to provide your pores with every advantage, but it can still be confusing to determine the best combinations for your skin. Certain serums or gels might mix with your body better than others, and while it is a matter of testing what works, there are certain substances that almost everyone can benefit from.
Sometimes, two products come together to form the ideal partnership for your skin. Lionesse notes that not all skin care concoctions are meant to be mixed and matched, so it is important to know which ingredients go well together to avoid damaging your skin.
One combo that can (and should) go together is hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Separately, these wondrous options are fantastic for your face, neck, and everywhere else on your dermis. But together? It is a match made in heaven.
Why do these two complement one another so well, and how do they ensure your complexion reaches its maximum potential? Well, the chemistry of their ingredients is why you'll never go back after trying this combination.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid has been a hot commodity for a long time, but as quality skincare products become more accessible through numerous brands and stores, this ingredient is reaching new heights of popularity.
There are a number of reasons why hyaluronic acid is so beneficial. Hyaluronic acid is a master of keeping moisture within your skin, and it allows your skin to stretch more fluidly, providing it with the flexibility it needs while decreasing the potential for lines or wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid is used in everything from eye drops to moisturizers, but Ghost Democracy notes that serums are a super effective way of getting a quick dose of HA (though not all serums are made exactly the same). To find the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market, keep an eye out for the concentration percentage. If it is around 2%, you know the balance will be good and beneficial to your dermis. Another factor to consider is the weight of the molecules in the serum: the less they weigh, the more penetrating they will be, helping to get rid of wrinkles and lines.
Alone, hyaluronic acid is a game changer. But mixed with ceramides... you might never use it solo again.
What are ceramides?
Ceramides can actually be found inside your skin cells. They are lipids, otherwise known as fats, that reside inside your molecular structure, and they make up about 40% to the overall epidermis: aka the outermost layer of your skin. The biggest role they play is to retain moisture, but as you get older, their retention can dip and cause dehydration.
According to WebMD, there are two types of ceramides: the ones your body produces, and those made in labs. The latter ceramides are what you find in skin care products, and because synthetic ceramides are easier to manage and produce, they offer a stable and contaminant-free addition to your regime. Using man-made ceramides helps hydrate your skin, as well as safeguard it from irritants, natural elements (like the weather), and pollutants. The anti-aging qualities are a big selling point, and by implementing them into your product lineup, you're keeping your skin youthful and more elastic.
How do they work?
Because both of these products promote hydration, they work well together in a skincare routine. CeraVe notes that each ingredient serves a different function, but these serve a greater overall purpose. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture (mainly, water molecules) from outside your body, absorbing it as it hits the skin to hydrate. Ceramides already act as a barrier to keep water and moisture in, so it helps to retain anything brought in by hyaluronic acid.
Think of the two as a chef and a sous chef. The latter brings the chef all the ingredients they need and helps prep for a recipe. This is the hyaluronic acid: bringing in moisture to dehydrated skin. The chef, or ceramides, work to keep the skin looking supple and retains the water once it's absorbed. The finished "recipe" is a nourishing, hydrating combination that will make your skin look and feel amazing.
How to use ceramides and hyaluronic acid together
When it comes time to apply these two products, add hyaluronic acid first. According to Sunday Edit, after your cleanser and toners, water-based solutions like serums should come next. This allows them to better soak into your skin, and then moisturizing creams can be layered on top to seal in the hydrating elements.
Toners can actually dry out your skin, which is why they should be used before items like hyaluronic acid, which will reintroduce moisture. Using a gentle cleanser that is tough on dirt but mild on your skin will keep it from flaring up, and the dream team will take it from there. Rich, hydrated skin is, and will always be, very on-trend, so why not give this trick a try and see the results for yourself? Play around with different brands until you find the winners, because once you crack the code, you'll never settle for dry skin again.
How long until you see results?
Every person's skin handles products and routines differently. Depending on your skin type, results may vary. Wholy Dose points out that people who stick to their regime and use hyaluronic acid every day are more likely to notice a change faster, but the average results come after one to two months. Combined with ceramides, which will help retain the moisture the serum offers, you could see a boost in elasticity and suppleness in just two weeks. It all depends on how dry your skin was before, and how well it holds onto the products.
Then there are the products themselves. If you invest in high-quality serums and creams, you are more likely to feel and see a difference faster. You don't have to break the bank to snag this dynamic duo — just make sure to check the ingredients, concentrations, and most importantly, the reviews. Other consumers can always let you know ahead of time if something is worth purchasing! The lasting effects are sure to impress, and it won't be long before people are asking what your secret to eternal youth is.