Benefits of Ceramides for Hair and Skin

What Are Ceramides?

Ceramides are lipids (fats) found in the inner layer of the hair cuticle and in the epidermis layer of skin. The hair cuticle is compose of many layers that lay much like fish scales and serve the same purpose. Simply, ceramides are the fats that holds skin and hair cuticles together.

Why are Ceramides Important to Hair and Skin?

The cuticle protects the hair strand and when the layers are raised you will notice dry, brittle, or dull hair. Ceramides bind the layers together keeping them flat and thus serving as a means of protection. Additionally, ceramides attract water and retain moisture in hair and skin.

What are the Benefits of Using Ceramides?

If you are protein sensitive, ceramides are you best weapon for strengthening your hair. After learning I was protein sensitive, I research other products that would add strength to my hair similar to using a protein based products. I learned both henna and ceramides behave and perform similar to proteins but are not proteins. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true and it works. I have seen the difference in the health of my hair when I add and remove ceramides from my regimen. Now, adding oils to my wash day and moisturizers are a must.

Not a great pic but you get the idea that I have a love of oils, especially ceramides.

How Do You Use Ceramides?

I love to prepoo with (affiliate links) grapeseed oil. In the past, I used olive oil for my prepoo and hot oil treatments but I learned my hair responds better to grapeseed oil.  I add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil to any mixture I am using as a prepoo and for deep conditioning, I do the same with hemp oil. I have several oils that I have in rotation for various benefits that I briefly listed in my hair regimen post.

Benefits of…:

Each week I will add to this section to link all of the oils together.

1. Benefits of Wheat Germ Oil

Safflower oil 78%
Grape seed oil 73%
Poppyseed oil 70%
Sunflower oil 68%
Hemp oil 60%
Corn oil 59%
Wheat germ oil 55%
Cottonseed oil 54%
Soybean oil 51%
Walnut oil 51%
Sesame oil 45%
Rice bran oil 39%
Pistachio oil 32.7%
Peanut oil 32% [17]
Canola oil 21%
Egg yolk 16%
Linseed oil 15%
Lard 10%
Olive oil 10%
Palm oil 10%
Cocoa butter 3%
Macadamia oil 2%
Butter 2%
Coconut oil 2%

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