“Ceramides wrap around the skin cell to create structural support and protect it,” says Michael Hume, MD at Nip+Fab.
2. Ceramides lock moisture into the skin
It’s also worth remembering that, while your body naturally produces ceramides, these diminish over time for a number of reasons. “Seasonal changes with cold or hot temperatures can reduce the ceramides in your skin,” says A-list facialist and skincare expert, Sarah Chapman. “They can also decrease after a change of diet or from the overuse of soaps or exfoliants,” she notes.
When your skin’s ceramide levels are low, the skin barrier is weakened, and moisture starts to escape through minuscule cracks, causing redness, irritation and dehydration. “Low levels of ceramides result in dehydrated, irritated skin and can even lead to more serious skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis,” Sarah says.
So it’s important to keep them topped up. “Ceramides help with moisture retention,” she notes because, by acting like ‘mortar’, they seal water in and keep irritants out. Sara Waterman, senior aesthetician at Young LDN, agrees, saying, “The human body is made up of approximately 70% water, but on the skin’s surface this can be as low as 10-30%. Ceramides help to keep the skin hydrated on all levels. By creating a barrier, ceramides keep the water in and protect against environmental damage.”
In terms of products, look no further than Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream, which creates a liquid second skin packed with soothing ceramides to rebuild your barrier function if you’ve over-exfoliated. While nearly a quarter of the ingredients in Simple’s Repair+ Rich Cream are known as ceramide boosters – in other words, ingredients that help your skin produce its own ceramides to repair its outer layer.
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- Consistency: Medium weight cream.
- Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Pro-ceramides, cica.
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I first used this moisturiser in the middle of winter when icy temperatures outside and central heating inside had sapped my skin of moisture, leaving it feeling seriously battle worn. Nearly a quarter of the ingredients in the pot are known as ceramide boosters – in other words, ingredients that work with your skin's biology to produce natural ceramides and repair its outer layer. The formula also includes cica to dial down sensitivity. I loved how my skin felt immediately softer, more hydrated and soothed – all without a hint of greasiness. The price point is the icing on the cake. – Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's associate beauty director.
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Save when shopping for best moisturisers using these Boots discount codes.
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Simple Repair+ Rich Cream
- Consistency: Medium weight cream.
- Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Pro-ceramides, cica.
I first used this moisturiser in the middle of winter when icy temperatures outside and central heating inside had sapped my skin of moisture, leaving it feeling seriously battle worn. Nearly a quarter of the ingredients in the pot are known as ceramide boosters – in other words, ingredients that work with your skin’s biology to produce natural ceramides and repair its outer layer. The formula also includes cica to dial down sensitivity. I loved how my skin felt immediately softer, more hydrated and soothed – all without a hint of greasiness. The price point is the icing on the cake. – Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s associate beauty director.
Save when shopping for best moisturisers using these Boots discount codes.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
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- Consistency: Rich but comfortable
- Skin type: Sensitive and sensitised skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, peptides.
- Pros: Ultra soothing and cocooning
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
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Why we love it: This was specifically developed (and clinically tested) with sensitive and sensitised skin in mind. Ceramides and peptides calm and soften irritable skin and help to rebuild compromised skin barriers. "This is ultra-nourishing but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and it’s my go-to if my face is having a proper mare, feels extra sensitive, or when I get dry patches that refuse to budge," – Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
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Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
- Consistency: Rich but comfortable
- Skin type: Sensitive and sensitised skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, peptides.
- Pros: Ultra soothing and cocooning
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: This was specifically developed (and clinically tested) with sensitive and sensitised skin in mind. Ceramides and peptides calm and soften irritable skin and help to rebuild compromised skin barriers. “This is ultra-nourishing but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and it’s my go-to if my face is having a proper mare, feels extra sensitive, or when I get dry patches that refuse to budge,” – Elle Turner, GLAMOUR’s Senior Beauty Editor.
3. Ceramides make skin more resilient
A strong barrier also makes skin more resilient when using potent actives. “It means that your skin will tolerate retinol, azelaic acid and vitamin C better when they are topically applied,” Michael adds.
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