Every single tool we use today is a multi-tasker. Our smartphones double up as our portable cameras, our computers are used to call/skype with our friends in other parts of the world.
In this day and age where time and space are such sought-after commodities, we are so much more appreciative of the ingenuity behind iconic products like Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules launched in 1990 which are still extremely relevant today.
Thanks to Elizabeth Arden, I got the opportunity to speak with Art Pellegrino, vice president of research and development, and Kathy Widmer, chief marketing officer of Elizabeth Arden in Shanghai as they launch this cult favourite in China.
What’s in a Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsule?
These portable gold rubbery spheres are packed with the skincare equivalent of liquid gold. They contain an oil-like serum made up of ingredients like two types of ceramides, vitamin A derivatives, borage seed extract and vitamin E deftly packed in a single dose capsule to maintain its freshness.
Primary use: Replenishment of essential lipids
The production of necessary oils like essential fatty acids and lipids in your skin decreases with age, so the oil in the Ceramide capsules replaces them to maintain the skin’s topmost layer, helps skin hold moisture as well as become more supple.
“Once your skin is restored to a healthier state, the efficacy and absorption of all other skincare products is increased. It whips your skin into tip-top shape, so the rest of your skincare routine can work more efficiently,” says Pellegrino.
Because the ceramides produced are found in your skin, it has the ability to pull double duty and can be used in a multitude of ways. Here are some interesting alternative remedies that are worth a try.
1. Doubles up as – Primer
These lipids, with an oil-like consistency, are surprisingly lightweight and silky smooth. When applied onto the skin, it is absorbed within mere minutes, leaving the skin surface void of roughness. This allows your skin to be the perfect canvas for your makeup, making colours more vivid and brightens up your look in a jiffy.
One of the most unique uses of Ceramides is how it can be applied over your makeup without smudging. Widmer adds that a colleague of hers in New York uses one capsule when she knocks off for the day – over her makeup – and it refreshes her look without the need to pile on another layer of powder.
The oil-based formula is also anhydrous (which means it doesn’t contain water) so it doesn’t mess up your water-based liquid foundation or tinted moisturiser.
2. Doubles up as – Cuticle Oil
Don’t you just hate it when your cuticles are dry, flaky and rough? Some users have been known to use a few drops of Ceramides on and around their nails to combat severely dry and cracked cuticles.
3. Doubles up as – Hair serum
According to Pellegrino, your skin, hair and nails are all fundamentally the same. They are made of keratinocides. Women have been known to use ceramides on the roots of their damaged hair as well.
It has the same texture and consistency as argan oil, and the lipids and silicones work on repairing your split ends. It’s a purely cosmetic effect but a very effective one.
4. Doubles up as – Sunburn cure
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties also make the capsules perfect for post-sun or post-trauma remedy. It is extremely high in moisture content, which sounds like sweet music to our dehydrated sun-kissed skin.
Pellegrino suggests sticking one or two capsules into the fridge and you’ll may find that it works even better than aloe vera after a day out in the sun.
5. Doubles up as – Chapstick
Due to the unique packaging, the preservative- and emulsifier-free capsule also ensures that the dose is kept uncontaminated by external factors like climate and temperature changes.
This also makes it suitable for use around sensitive areas like the lips. Perfect for dry and cold temperatures where your lips tend to chap and crack, Ceramides can be used to moisturise the area around the lips, keeping it hydrated throughout the day.
Widmer adds, that with 10 clinical studies and 12 safety tests done, the tolerance for the Ceramides has always been fantastic, no matter what you use it for.
“There is no better way of testing it than having millions of women using it for years. Its long history simply proves that it does what it says, ” enthused Widmer.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules cost $130 for 60 and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Lift & Strengthening Eye Capsules cost $93 for 60.
