Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules – Which Ones & What are the Benefits for your Skin?

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The Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules collection covers a wide range of different skincare actives and skin concerns including Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol and Vitamin C to treat dry skin, dull and uneven tones, and fine lines and wrinkles. Each capsule contains skin-identical ceramides and a pure and potent dose of active skincare ingredients. They are sealed to keep the product fresh and effective and provides the perfect dose for the face, neck and décolleté. Here’s a guide on which ones to choose and when to use them.

What are Ceramides?

All the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules contain Ceramides. These are essential lipids that work to bind skin cells together, retain moisture within the skin and are a key component of the all important skin barrier function.

As we age, we naturally lose Ceramides which means that barrier function deteriorates too. In fact, by the time we reach our thirties, Ceramide levels are down by 40%. Even scarier, this naturally escalates to a 60% drop by the time you reach your forties.

I am 47, so keeping my Ceramides topped up is VERY important to me. Elizabeth Arden are the pioneers in Ceramide skincare, and even though it’s a fairly trendy topic in the beauty industry at the moment (mainly because some barriers have been compromised by over-zealous exfoliation), Arden have been talking about the importance of Ceramides for years.

What are the benefits of Ceramides for skin?

In addition to keeping skin feeling smooth, moisturised and supple, ceramides play another important role. Because Ceramides are an essential part of the skin’s barrier, they are crucial for making sure our skin is protected from environmental aggressors including pollution and low humidity. We need Ceramides in order for the skin to function properly, so if you don’t get that bit right, no amount of active skincare ingredients will improve your skin.

Using the right skincare products will help replenish ceramide levels and restore the skin barrier which in turn will maintain moisture levels.

Elizabeth Arden launched the iconic original Ceramide Capsules in 1990 and since then that formula has been upgraded and they are now named the Advanced Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum. In addition, they have launched THREE new versions all targeted at different skin concerns.

All the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules have the all important Ceramides which are skin identical, and the additions to the collection have added actives to address specific concerns.

Which Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Do You Need?

There are different types of Ceramide Capsules to choose from:

• Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum
• Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum
• Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
• Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

Keep reading to find out which one is best for your specific skin concerns.

What is the Hyaluronic Capsule is good for?

Good For: Dry skin

You need this capsule if you suffer with dry skin.

This serum has a unique formula which combines deeply hydrating Hyaluronic Acid combined with moisture-boosting ceramides to strengthen, smooth, plump and illuminate the skin.

This capsule uses a special form of HA which is very small so that it can penetrate the skin four times more deeply than a traditional Hyaluronic Acid molecule.

The HA is also dehydrated, however, once it is inside the skin cells it rehydrates and doubles inside with the effect of instantly plumping the skin. Then the Ceramides lock in the moisture so that it stays in the skin.

I find the Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules great if my skin is feeling tight or dehydrated or looking a little tired. It instantly plumps up my skin, and makes it feel super hydrated.

I absolutely love this one under makeup, as it creates such a fresh, smooth base and always helps to make my foundation look more flawless.

What is the Retinol + HPR Capsule is good for?

Good For: Fine Lines & Wrinkles

You need this capsule if your main priority is to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used day and night.

This formula uses a powerful blend of pure Retinol plus HPR (Hydroxy Pinacolone Retinoate). It is a clever and gentle formula that addresses quite a few of the issues that using Retinol presents.

Skin irritation normally associated with retinol use is minimised because this formula uses a micro-sponge delivery system which slowly releases the active ingredient into the skin over time.

This means the skin isn’t hit with a load of retinol all at once, and it also increases its efficacy as it means it can work over a longer period of time. Also, the freshness of each capsule is key because the Retinol molecule is extremely sensitive to light and air. You don’t have to worry about that with this system.

Also the ceramides work to strengthen and moisturise the skin, further reducing any possible irritation.

This capsule promotes cell turnover for smoother skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. I actually trialled the Retinol caps when they first launched – read Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum Review.

I can use these Retinol capsules day and night and have never experienced any irritation, so the slow release technology plus skin-identical ceramides really do make it super gentle on the skin.

They are great for softening the look of lines and wrinkles and absolutely great for reducing the appearance of pores.

What is the Vitamin C Capsule is good for?

Good For: Brightening dull skin and evening out texture

This capsule is the one you need if you want to tackle hyperpigmentation, dullness and uneven texture.

Vitamin C in capsules is a brilliant idea because this particular ingredient is notoriously unstable. Each little dose contains super-potent, ultra-stable Vitamin C which is highly antioxidant, and excellent for defending the skin against free radicals that promote premature ageing.

It’s a great daytime option because that’s when you need antioxidant protection and it also gives the skin a gorgeous glow with its super luxurious light dry-oil texture. Elizabeth Arden’s Vitamin C is an oil soluble form and 178 times more potent than traditional Vitamin C because is guarantees maximum absorption.

The oil soluble form of Vitamin C that Elizabeth Arden uses can penetrate into skin more efficiently than water soluble formulas. It is paired with moisture-boosting and barrier-strengthening ceramides to create a powerful formula for optimal results.

I absolutely love the texture of the Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules. It’s a gorgeously light oil-serum that melts into the skin effortlessly and gives a beautiful instant glow. I love using a Vitamin C during the day for antioxidant protection and it’s the perfect product to layer under SPF for daytime.

What is the Original Capsule is good for?

Good For: Barrier Support

This one is a great all-rounder and works to tackle all visible signs of ageing. I have loved the original for many years.

It works to nourish and enhance natural hydration, firming the look of skin. At the same time it reinforces and strengthens skin’s natural protective barrier and supports natural lipid levels.

It has a beautiful rich oil serum texture, and if you have a compromised skin barrier, this is literally one of the best products you can use. It’s incredible. I love to use these if my skin is feeling sensitive or irritated. They are super calming and soothing and great for restoring my skin when it been under attack from the elements or had a reaction. They are also just great for a good skin pamper.

It is packed with Ceramides and is great for smoothing, firming and deeply moisturising.

You can also combine capsules in your morning and evening routine if you really want to boost their effectiveness. Here are some combination suggestions from Elizabeth Arden:

I particularly love using the Advanced Ceramide with the Retinol. Or the Vitamin C for day, and the Retinol for night. Those two are perfect partners used like that.

How to use Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules

Each capsule contains a single dose. It feels like a lot of product and that’s because there’s enough to cover your full face, neck and décolleté, which is exactly where you should be applying your skincare.

You simply twist off the tab at the top and then squeeze out the contents and apply.

Then place capsule in water or compostable bin as they are fully biodegradable.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have put together a few FAQs that always pop up when it comes to Ceramides.

Where to buy?