This Is Why I'm Sharing My Love for Lipids in Skincare

You may remember the word "lipid" from high school health class and know that it has something to do with fat (and what we eat).

But what is it, exactly? And why are we seeing them on product labels?

Well, they actually make great anti-aging skincare ingredients.

You may be using them in your skincare products already and not even know it!

Today, I'm explaining why lipids deserve a place in your skincare routine and what they can do for you.

Let's get started!

What Are Lipids?

Lipids are the skin's natural fats.

According to the National Institutes of Health, they fill the spaces between skin cells, like mortar or cement.

There are two types of lipids: sebaceous and epidermal.

Sebaceous lipids include triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene, while epidermal lipids are a mix of cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides.

I'm sure you've heard some of these before, but you may not have known that they were classified as lipids.

I'm breaking down a few of them here:

• Cholesterol: Helps speed up the skin barrier's recovery and improve elasticity. (I also want to note that using skincare products with cholesterol won't affect your blood pressure or heart health.)
• Ceramides: Proven to increase the skin's hydration and barrier function. Makes a great moisturizing ingredient.
• Fatty acids: Help maintain the skin's lipid balance. These are abundant in young, healthy skin.
• Squalene: This has been in the spotlight in the beauty industry lately, and for good reason. Makes a great emollient and natural antioxidant. Prevemts fine lines and eliminates dry patches.

Overall, the purpose of lipids is to keep good things in, like nutrients, and keep the bad things out, like free radicals from pollution.

They can also help reduce water loss, but they won't reverse the underlying cause of dehydration.

As we age, lipid production declines, which can result in rough skin texture, tightness, and loss of suppleness - which is why they're so popular in anti-aging formulas!

Are Lipids Good for Skin?

They benefit the skin in the following ways:

• Maintain the skin's protective barrier
• Help the skin's natural repair process
• Minimize transepidermal water loss
• Keep out impurities

If you want a refresher about what lipids can do for you internally, I've got you covered there, too.

They provide energy, help with digestion and absorption of food, insulate and protect your body, and produce hormones.

So, I'd say they're pretty important!

If you've read my blog before, you know that skincare is more than just what you put on your face - it includes what you're putting in your body.

You can get lipids in your diet from the following sources:

• Salmon
• Avocados
• Nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts, pecans)
• Vegetable oils (olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil)

Final Thoughts

There's your overview of lipids!

Now you know the benefits of using them externally and internally.

If you're interested in using an anti-aging product, I personally recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

Let me know how you like it!

Also, keep an eye out for products made with squalene - you'll be seeing more of them as it's definitely a trending ingredient.

Beauties, are you interested in trying skincare products with lipids after reading this article? Do you already use any? I'd love to hear in the comments!