Ceramide is probably not an unfamiliar term to beauty junkies in search of the anti-ageing elixir. And those familiar with Elizabeth Arden would probably have heard about its ceramide range, particularly its ceramide capsules that have been a bestseller for the brand.
More recently, the brand launches the Flawless Future collection, an anti-ageing line that’s powered by this incredible ingredient. Elizabeth Arden boldly claims that users can “reclaim (their) radiant complexion in less than a week”.
What exactly is this power ingredient and how does it help with anti-ageing? We speak with Angeline Lim-De Silva, Regional Training Manager of Elizabeth Arden for the lowdown on this ingredient.
What is Ceramide and what makes it such an anti-ageing superpower?
Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipid (oily) component of the intercellularcement which binds epidermal skin cells together, they play a key role in maintaining the moisture level and firmness of the skin. A chronic decline of the ceramide concentration in the skin’s intercellular cement has been demonstrated to be part of the skin ageing process, as it allows penetration of damaging environmental elements and results in trans-epidermal evaporation of moisture.
Intercellular cement in the skin performs the same function as mortar between the bricks in a wall. As the wall ages, the mortar becomes porous and cracks. Ceramide is the substance in the skin which prevents this from happening to the intercellular cement. The amount of ceramides in the epidermis proportionately influences the skin’s dryness – fewer ceramides results in drier skin and more crepey wrinkles. Applying ceramides to your skin results in increased moisture retention in the epidermis.
Ceramides are also excellent restorative care for the skin that has been over-exposed to the elements.
To sum up,
a) Ceramides are naturally found in the skin
b) They are essential lipids and a major component found in the surface layer of skin (stratum corneum)
c) The serve as part of the “glue” that holds surface cells together
d) They maintain the integrity of the skin’s barrier layer
e) They are the mortar that holds skin cells together (bricks) together
So in essence, they really are essential to a youthful looking skin. We can consider them as one of the “youth factors” to healthy-looking skin.
How is the Ceramide used in Elizabeth Arden products special?
Within the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Skincare, you’ll find uniquely different ceramides which help the skin perform more efficiently in repairing its appearance.
Ceramide 1: Strengthens, supports, firms the look of the stratum corneum and enhances hydration.
Ceramide 3: Acts as a moisture magnet that soothes and calms the skin.
Ceramide 6: A gentle hydroxy acid that naturally exfoliates dead surface skin cells, increasing moisturisation.
The Ceramide capsules are one of Elizabeth Arden’s best sellers. How should it fit into the Flawless Future regime?
The Flawless Future Line is an advanced skincare system with a fine-tuned blend of barrier supporting Ceramides, protective protein complex and powerful skin brighteners helps intercept early ageing signs, so your skin looks stress-free, even when you aren’t.
The products can do the following:
- Immediately brighten and even out the appearance of skin tone for a radiant look
- Minimise the appearance of early lines and wrinkles and enlarged pores!
- Overtime re-energise tired looking skin (caused by a hectic lifestyle) for a more youthful appearance
- Help replenish the right ratio of ceramides
- Protect the longevity of the cell by replacing essential proteins
- Visibly increase radiance & luminosity
- Protect and prevent loss of essential moisture in the skin by creating a barrier “second skin” protection
Because the Ceramide Skin Identical Matrix used in the products is a blended ratio of ceramides appropriate for skin aged 25-35 to help replenish depleted ceramide levels lost due to chronological aging and ramped up stress, so generally, Ceramide Capsules are not needed in the regime of a Flawless Future user.
But in instances where the user feels she needs an additional boost in her skincare regime and would like to have the Ceramide Capsule in her daily regime, she is advised to use it as part of her evening regime.
The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Collection consists of these four products:
- Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (SGD99)
- Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Moisture Cream (SGD89)
- Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Moisture Cream SPF 30 PA++ (SGD89)
- Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Eye Gel (SGD69)
