The winter season brings changes in temperature that can leave our skin looking flushed, dry, irritated and itchy so extra care is needed to replenish and protect it. Our quick tip to combat winter skin is to look for ceramides in your products. But what are ceramides and how can they keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter?

Ceramides are found naturally in the skin. Your body makes them to keep your skin healthy.

Ceramides are lipid molecules found in high concentrations (50%) within cell membranes in the upper layer of the skin. They hold skin cells together, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and holds moisture. They also act as a barrier against bacteria and environmental pollutants. 

Ceramides are carriers (or transdermal delivery systems) that can help other ingredients penetrate and have an antioxidant properties when combined with tocopherol (vitamin E). Ceramide’s benefits increase when they are combined with other replenishing ingredients like fatty acids. 

Our Brightening Serum and Contour Serum explores this synergistic relationship & intelligent combining of ingredients, and has been formulated with ceramides, vitamin E as well as ingredients containing multiple fatty acids. 

While your skin naturally produces ceramides, they deplete as we age. Outside of natural aging, ceramide levels can also be depleted by cold weather and dry heat such as central heating or by using harsh products on your skin. This can result in skin feeling especially dry, rough or itchy at this time of year, and looking less smooth and plump.

What can help to maintain a healthy skin barrier?

Applying replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, omega fatty acids, niacinamide, plant oils, glycerine and squalane, all of which you can find in our ECM Advanced Repair Range.