Ceramides: The quiet achiever every skincare routine needs

Peruse through the ingredient lists of some of your favourite heavy-hitting hydrators and you’ll probably see these hardworking lipids. Not only do they help soothe and plump irritated skin, they also keep all the not-so-good stuff (think irritants, pollution and environmental aggressors) out.

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Ceramides are naturally produced by our bodies and make up over half of our skin composition, performing three very important jobs: they help skin hold onto moisture so that it's hydrated and feels soft, they help minimise the appearance of visible signs of ageing, and they strengthen the skin barrier, keeping irritants and aggressors out. So not only are ceramides critical for skin that looks healthy, they're also important for skin that functions properly, too.

If you consistently use a ceramide-rich product, you can help to replenish your skin's supply and expect a complexion that appears smoother and less irritated.

Because ceramides are already naturally produced in our bodies, and because they're so vital to a healthy skin barrier, all skin types can benefit from using ceramide skincare. However, people with dry or sensitive skin types will particularly benefit from including them in their routine, thanks to their hydrating, soothing properties.

You'll find ceramides in a range of products, including cleansers, toners, serums and moisturisers. In terms of the latter, when using a ceramide moisturiser as the last step of your routine, you’re effectively creating a protective shield or barrier that locks everything in place. And if you really want to up your ceramide game, use a night-time ceramide moisturiser, which will complement your skin's natural repair processes.

If your body has itchy, dry or flaky skin, look for ceramide body cleansers and moisturisers to help nourish and soothe it, while building up its resilience.