Ever wondered what keeps your skin hydrated, smooth and glowing? Beauty Editor Anna Lee dives into the world of ceramides with Elizabeth Arden’s National Education Manager Nica Marcello.
First of all, what are ceramides?
Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that naturally occur in the skin, making up about 50 percent of the outer layer of your skin, known as the epidermis. They play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture.
Ceramides act like the “glue” that holds skin cells together, forming a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss and shields the skin from environmental damage. They are essential for keeping the skin hydrated, smooth and healthy.
What are the benefits of ceramides in skincare?
- Moisture retention: Ceramides help lock in moisture, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Skin barrier protection: They protect the skin from external pollutants, toxins and allergens.
- Anti-ageing: By keeping the skin hydrated and supple, ceramides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin health: They support the overall health of skin cells, helping to prevent conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Can you tell us about Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide range?
Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide range is well-known for its focus on strengthening the skin’s barrier and providing anti-ageing benefits. The Ceramide range is designed to address various skin concerns, particularly focusing on anti-ageing and hydration, and the collection includes essences, serums and moisturisers.
Beyond ceramides, what are the key active ingredients in this range and how do they benefit the skin?
Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide range includes several key active ingredients that work synergistically with ceramides to enhance skin health and address various concerns.
Hyaluronic acid: Known for its exceptional moisture-retaining properties, hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It attracts moisture to the skin’s surface, providing multi-level hydration.
Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is celebrated for its anti-ageing properties. It helps to smooth lines and wrinkles, supports the skin’s natural collagen production and improves skin clarity for a more even-toned appearance.
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant brightens the skin, evens out skin tone and protects against environmental damage. It works in tandem with vitamin E to combat free radicals and enhance skin radiance.
Peptides: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to produce more collagen, improving the appearance of wrinkles and skin texture. They support a firmer and smoother complexion.
Can you tell us about the five capsule products?
The Elizabeth Arden Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum is designed to provide multiple benefits for the skin, focusing on strengthening the skin barrier, refining pores, and improving overall skin texture and radiance. It also has a light texture that quickly absorbs, appealing especially to those with combination and/or oily skin.
The Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum is the ultimate in anti-ageing and contains an enhanced ceramide lipid complex (Ceramides 1, 3 and 6) to support the skin’s natural barrier. It enhances skin hydration, smooths and softens the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves radiance and luminosity, and improves firmness and elasticity.
The Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum is designed to brighten the skin, even out skin tone and protect against premature ageing. The serum contains a potent form of vitamin C that is 178 times more potent than traditional vitamin C. This helps to visibly brighten the skin and enhance its radiance, improves the look of uneven skin tone and minimises the appearance of dark spots and discolouration. The serum also supports the skin’s natural collagen and elastin matrix, helping to maintain firmness and elasticity.
The Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum is designed to deliver powerful anti-ageing benefits while being gentle on the skin. The serum is formulated with hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), a next-generation retinoid that is 10 times more potent than pure retinol. This helps to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines within just seven days! The combination of retinol and HPR supports skin renewal, improving overall texture and tone. This results in smoother, more even-looking skin. Despite its potency, the formula is designed to be gentle, and can be used both day and night. It minimises irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.
The Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum is designed to deliver intense hydration and plumping effects, making the skin look more youthful and radiant. The serum contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as a moisture magnet, drawing water into the skin and providing an instant plumping effect. The combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps to firm the skin and visibly redefine facial contours, giving a more sculpted appearance. The serum smooths the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and making the skin feel softer.
Who is the range perfect for?
It’s perfect for a variety of skin types and concerns, particularly those looking to address signs of ageing, improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
At what age or stage in life would you recommend starting the range?
Starting a skincare routine with ceramides can be beneficial at various stages of life, depending on your skin’s needs.
- Early 20s
Preventative care: This is a great time to start incorporating ceramides into your routine to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent future damage. - Late 20s to early 30s
Early signs of ageing: As you start to notice the first signs of ageing, such as fine lines and slight loss of firmness, ceramide products can help address these concerns. - Mid 30s and beyond
Anti-ageing and repair: At this stage, your skin may need more intensive care to combat visible signs of ageing. - Any Age
Sensitive or compromised skin: If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, ceramides can help strengthen your skin barrier and reduce irritation.
Regardless of age, consistency in using ceramide-based products will yield the best results. Incorporate them into your daily routine for long-term benefits.
How long does it typically take to see visible results with regular use?
You can expect to see results as early as one week! Expect to see the full benefits by the four-week mark.
Tell us about the physical capsules. Why are the serums bundled into these?
The capsules are designed to deliver potent, single-dose treatments in a convenient and effective way. The encapsulation process protects the active ingredients from exposure to light and air, which can degrade their effectiveness. This ensures that each dose remains potent and effective until the moment you use it. The single-dose format is perfect for travel and on-the-go use, ensuring you can maintain your skincare routine wherever you are. The capsules are biodegradable, which means they break down naturally in the environment, reducing their impact on the planet.
Can you use these products daily?
Yes, you can use these products daily as part of your skincare routine. All of the ceramide capsules can be used both in the morning and at night.
What is your favourite product from the line-up, and why?
If I had to choose, it would be the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum. It is an absolute gamechanger. To be able to wear a retinol-based product during the day that is gentle on skin is revolutionary. I also love that since using it, my pores have become more refined and my skin does not get dry like other retinol products I have used in the past.
Any top tips or tricks you can share with us?
- Warm the serum: After squeezing the serum from the capsule, warm it between your fingertips before applying. This helps the product to spread more evenly and absorb better into the skin.
- Gentle patting: Instead of rubbing the serum into your skin, try gently patting it. This can help with better absorption and is gentler on your skin.
- Layering: Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturiser. This ensures that the active ingredients penetrate deeply into your skin.
- Neck and décolletage: Don’t forget to apply the serum to your neck and décolletage. These areas are often neglected but can benefit greatly from the same care as your face.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
