Skin Hydration: The Roles of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides
Aging, environmental stressors, genetics, and other factors can contribute to dry skin. Dry skin can lead to irritation, itchiness, rough texture, more pronounced wrinkles, and other skin concerns. Two ingredients that help keep skin hydrated are hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Used together, they support the skin's ability to hold onto moisture, which can lead to softer, smoother skin over time.
What Hyaluronic Acid Does
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps keep skin feeling hydrated and looking plump. In skin care products, hyaluronic acid is often included in formulas to help skin hold onto water, since it can hold many times its weight in water. This means it can help skin retain moisture.
What Ceramides Do
Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin. In topical products, they help form a barrier over the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. This barrier helps seal water in and keep environmental irritants out. As a result, skin is less vulnerable to moisture loss, irritation, and infection.
Why They Work Better Together
Incorporating both hyaluronic acid and ceramides into a skin care routine can benefit skin in several ways. Hyaluronic acid draws water in, and ceramides help hold it there. Working together, the two ingredients help skin maintain an optimal level of hydration for softer-feeling, smoother-looking skin.
Choosing Products with Both
When shopping for skin care products, look for those containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, such as Vanicream™ Daily Facial Moisturizer. This rich but lightweight moisturizer helps skin feel soft and deeply moisturized while remaining lightweight enough to wear under makeup.
A serum can round out the routine. Vanicream™ Vitamin C Serum is formulated for sensitive skin with a potent yet gentle vitamin C derivative and ceramides. The milky, lightweight formula absorbs quickly and is designed to enhance skin's brightness for a fresh glow. It comes in an airless pump, which makes the formula less likely to oxidize or change color, so it lasts longer than many other vitamin C serums. It's a good fit for sensitive, dull, or uneven skin.