Ceramides

In plain English: If your face stings, flakes or turns red easily, your skin’s protective layer is probably worn out. Ceramides help rebuild it. Look for them in your moisturiser.

Think of your skin barrier as a brick wall: skin cells are the bricks, and lipids are the mortar. Ceramides make up roughly half of that mortar. When ceramides are depleted by harsh cleansers, dry air, age or actives, the wall leaks water and lets irritants in.

What they do

• Repair and reinforce the skin barrier.
• Reduce water loss, so skin stays hydrated longer.
• Lower sensitivity, making stinging and redness less likely.

How to use them

Look for a moisturiser containing ceramides alongside cholesterol and fatty acids, which mimic the skin’s natural lipid ratio. Use it morning and night, especially when starting retinol or acne treatments.

Who should use them

Dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, anyone on retinoids, and everyone in a dry winter.