What are ceramides and how they help protect the skin barrier

Winter is coming! It’s the right time to learn more about how to keep your skin happy during the coldest months. Low temperatures, UV rays, air pollution can be the worst enemies of your skin, especially your face and hands, which are more exposed to the elements and so more prone to irritation.

Always listen to what your skin is telling you and give it what it needs to stay well-hydrated and nourished to prevent skin barrier damage. Follow a proper daily skin care routine and you will say goodbye to winter dry and flaky skin!

What is the skin barrier and why you should care about it

The skin barrier is made up of lipids, which are responsible for locking in moisture and keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Ceramides are the main constituents of the lipids found in the skin barrier (roughly 33%), which is why they have become a powerhouse ingredient in plenty of moisturizing face creams and nourishing skin barrier creams.

The skin barrier serves two basic functions. First, the lipids found in the skin barrier help protect it from harmful environmental threats. Second, they prevent excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Simply put, the skin barrier helps to keep water in and bacteria/chemicals out. A damaged skin barrier allows water to evaporate quicker and bad threats to enter easier.

Low ceramide levels can cause a damaged skin barrier

When ceramide reserves are running low, our skin becomes dry, itchy and irritated. Low levels of ceramides may be a symptom of dermatological conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

However, ceramide deficiency and skin barrier damage may also be caused by endogenous factors (originating within the body) and exogenous factors (originating outside the body). Among endogenous factors are genetic predisposition, skin type and age.

Exposure to the sun, harsh climate and cold temperatures are all exogenous factors that can weaken and damage the skin barrier. And, as commonly as, overcleansing and misusing/overusing physical exfoliators (e.g., brushes, scrubs, tools) and chemical exfoliators (e.g., AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acids).

Therefore, when the skin barrier becomes damaged or impaired, it loses or becomes unable to hold moisture and/or can allow bacteria/chemicals into the skin. More than ever, consumers are interested in how to repair the skin barrier. 

HY 3 (Hydrator 3): how to protect and improve signs of damage to the skin barrier

After years of research, Beauty Thinkers created HY3 (Hydrator 3), an antioxidant treatment clinically proven to help support and protect the skin barrier and counteract the signs of damage.

Rich in skin compatible biotechnological ceramides, free fatty acids and our star ingredient, Hydroxytyrosol, HY3 (Hydrator 3) is not a simple face cream, but rather high-performance skin barrier protection. Skin appears noticeably hydrated, nourished and healthy.

Like with all of our products, HY3 (Hydrator 3) is vegan, and we formulate with a plant-based, biodegradable alternative to silicone, and at the ideal pH level between 5-5.5. It is safe for sensitive skin.

HY3 (Hydrator 3) noticeably improves the signs of damage to the skin barrier in just five days – immediately soothes sensations of irritation, skin appears remarkably vibrant, rebalanced, more uniformed, and nourished. 

A 28-day study conducted on 20 male and female volunteers aged 20-50 for a period of 28 days, using instrumental evaluation, has shown that consistent use of HY3 (Hydrator 3) increases hydration by 60% in 28 days for plumper, smoother looking skin.

This high-performance hydrator can be a real game changer in your skin care routine that will help you to face the cold winter days and everyday life by protecting your skin barrier and restore skin vibrancy.

Why you will love it: HY3 (Hydrator 3) is a highly versatile product that can be used for different purposes. Here are some:

• For semi-slugging: if you need a boost of hydration and nourishment, you can use it with our AB (Antioxidant Boost), the world’s only Italian Enzymatic EVOO that helps the skin barrier seal in moisture and retain the skin’s water content.
• You can use it nightly as an overnight mask to directly support and protect the skin barrier.
• Are you getting ready for a snow holiday? HY3 (Hydrator 3) is the best choice if your skin is going to be exposed to outdoor cold climate.
• Are you a travel addict? You surely noticed that your skin feels drier, dull and irritated when you fly. This happens because spending several hours in a pressurized and low-humidity cabin thousands of feet up can incredibly dehydrate your skin. HY3 (Hydrator 3) is the high-performance nourishing treatment to apply pre-, mid- and post-flight to help protect your skin from the harsh inflight conditions while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. 

HY3 (Hydrator 3) stands out for its incomparable soft and silky texture and is recommended for all skin types, climates, and seasons. There are no critical concerns for use in pregnancy or nursing.

Demand more from your face cream. Choose skin vibrancy this winter: experience for yourself the high-performance benefits of HY3 (Hydrator 3) to help prevent and improve signs of damage to the skin barrier.