The skincare ingredient that will make your skin look younger and plumper

Ceramides aren’t new in skincare and makeup products but it is a great ingredient for so many reasons. It is essentially a type of naturally occurring fat molecule that is found mainly in the outermost layer of skin. The ingredient works like a glue to bind skin cells together to form a protective layer that stops transepidermal water loss so that skin doesn’t dry out.

On the beauty front, for skin that is chronically dry, ceramides help to repair the stratum corneum, improve skin hydration and keep skin soft. Additionally, ceramides are also crucial in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. When skin’s hydration is maintained, it is less prone to irritation. Ceramide is a godsend for skin that is stressed, scaly, parched, aged and sun-damaged. As you age, ceramide levels taper off, resulting in an increase in water loss and dryness. Thankfully, with topical skincare, you can counteract the signs of aging.

Click through to see some of our favourite products with ceramide.

Photo: Sephora

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Packed with Tsubaki oil and Elizabeth Arden’s signature ‘Botanical Complex’, these pea sized pods are designed to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Aside from whipping your skin into tip-top condition, the gold spheres also double as a primer, cuticle oil, hair serum, sunburn cure and chapstick.

How to use:

Apply a thin layer of serum over cleansed face and neck.

Photo: Net-a-porter

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For your base makeup to glide on like a dream, you need a smooth canvas to work with.  If your skin feels scaly and dehydrated even after slapping on moisturiser, you might want to consider adding a skin softener into your skincare routine. Not to be mistaken with toners that contain astringent ingredients, skin softeners serve to hydrate and soften the skin and prep the skin for moisturiser and serum.

How to use:

After cleansing your face, sweep the product gently across your face with a cotton pad. For added hydration, soak cotton pads with the softener and place it on your forehead, cheeks and chin.

Photo: Sephora 

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Dry and chapped lips are not only downright uncomfortable but also extremely difficult to work with if you’re thinking of using matte lipstick. To keep those nasty cracks at bay by opting for a do-it-all salve like this one from Dr. Jart that shields the lips from dryness while locking in moisture with oils like babassu seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, and pomegranate seed oil.

Photo: Sephora

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With dry skin, concealing your imperfections without your makeup looking caked-on and flakey can be a daily struggle. Opt for a concealer like the Cover FX Cream Concealer that is infused with antioxidants, vitamins, peptides and ceramides to conceal those pesky blemishes without emphasizing any dry patches.

Photo: Sephora  

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A good cleanser does more than just remove makeup and grime. This gentle cleanser contains ceramide and glycerine, ingredients that play a pivotal role in keeping the skin moisturised and supple. The unique mud to oil formula also works to detoxify the skin.

Photo: Sephora

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Even if you’re strapped for time, you can’t forget your sunscreen. To save time, use a moisturiser with SPF in it. Aside from blocking out harmful UV rays, this sunscreen is also enriched with soothing ingredients and anti-oxidants to protect your skin from the elements. This cream has a lightweight matte finish that is perfect underneath makeup.

Photo:Sephora

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Fake a good night’s sleep and reduce puffiness and dark eye circles with this cooling eye cream that is made with softening ceramides and herbal extracts. Maximise your eye cream by placing it in the fridge. Like a compress, cold creams helps to de-puff the eyes.

Photo: Sephora

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If your skin is feeling dry, tight and ashy, pick up this cult favourite to get that coveted dewy skin look. Rich in hydraulic acid and ceramides, the product boasts a deep level of hydration for up to 72 hours.

Photo: Sephora

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Makeup just not staying put like it should? Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a godsend. Free of parabens, phthalates, talc, fragrance, and sodium lauryl sulfate, this is a great product if your skin is sensitive. Even if you’re not wearing any makeup, you can still apply a sheer layer to shield your skin from sun exposure.

Photo: Sephora

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Show your nails some TLC. Formulated with botanicals and vitamins too, the nail pack strengthens delicate nails and prevents breakages, splitting and peeling.

Photo: Sephora

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