What is the purpose of ceramides and collagen in our skin ?

Ceramides and collagen: the cement and bricks of our skin

Collagen, fatty acids, ceramides… we often hear about them without knowing exactly why they’re important. These molecules are the star ingredients of so-called “anti-aging” creams. But why are they so important? What are they used for? Where can they be found?

Ceramides and collagen: the epidermal barrier

Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin, representing at least 50% of the skin’s composition.
Collagen is the basic material supporting the dermis, and is THE protein present in 75% of your skin.

We often evoke the image of bricks and cement: collagen aka “the bricks” for structuring the epidermis, and ceramides, the cement essential for holding it together. Ceramides are therefore essential for moisturized skin and a radiant complexion.
They are our best allies when it comes to tight skin, eczema and irritation, often signs of a ceramide deficiency.

By creating a protective film on the skin’s surface, they prevent water evaporation and dehydration.
In this way, they provide lasting reinforcement of the epidermal barrier, and are the best allies of the skin’s microbiota and its good bacteria.

Obviously, with age, pollution and exposure to the sun, the body produces fewer ceramides and the skin becomes more permeable and fragile.

From the age of 25, we consider that we lose 1% of collagen per year, and up to 30% per year after the menopause!

What foods should I eat for beautiful skin?

We can’t stress enough that skin health depends above all on a healthy lifestyle.
Drinking water, eating a healthy diet, sleeping at night and regular physical activity are all prerequisites.

Certain foods are also highly beneficial:

• Wholegrain rice is rich in ceramides, and will keep your skin hydrated for a long time. (Note that its glycemic index is lower than that of white rice 😊).
• Red, orange and yellowfruits and vegetables, such as apricots, mangoes, carrots and papaya.
• Green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain beta-carotene, making them highly antioxidant
• Dark chocolate, rich in cocoa, which is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
• Oily fish (sardines, herring and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays, and vitamin E (antioxidant properties).

Foods to avoid include excessive sugar, which stimulates sebum production and promotes the appearance of pimples.

Cosmetics rich in plant oils to boost ceramide production

• Oat seed extract and oat vegetable oil are the queen of these cosmetics. Rich in ceramides and phytosterols, it restores hydration and firmness to weakened skin. It can even be used to treat eczema or psoriasis.
• Borage oil is an excellent source of fatty acids, with a high content of Omega-3, steric acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and an Omega-6: gamma-linoleic acid. This fatty acid is a component of its ceramides, helping to maintain the skin’s elasticity and the effectiveness of its protective hydrolipidic film.
• Linseed oil calms and reduces skin irritation. Its high fatty acid content, particularly omega 3, contributes to its anti-inflammatory action.
• Rich in polyphenols and vitamin E, grapeseed oil is a natural antioxidant. The linoleic acid it contains promotes skin regeneration.

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Facial massages, great activators of natural processes

We exercise to maintain our figure and drain off negative energy, but tend to neglect our face.
But just like our bodies, our faces are made up of muscles and tissues that can be stimulated, strengthened and worked on…
Never say no to a good facial 😊

Don’t hesitate to arm yourself with a face roller, a guasha or simply your fingertips to stimulate deep facial muscles and thus boost blood flow.

Our favorite naturopath, Fabienne Crocq, suggests a quick massage to be performed during your morning or evening treatments.

Below is a video demonstration of facial massage (live):

Finally, what’s the best type of collagen or ceramide for our skin?

Ours, of course! As is often the case in micronutrition, it’s best to work on the molecule’s precursors (collagen or ceramide) to encourage its production by the body.

Take a look at our 1st face care product, a serum in Swiss Army Knife oil, with proven efficacy on the production of ceramides and collagen by the skin, based on oat extract, flax, borage and grape-seed oil.