Looking for the best ingredients for dry, sensitive skin? It’s time you got to know ceramides, the quiet achievers of the skincare world. Just like their powerhouse peers hyaluronic acid and retinol, ceramides can tackle all sorts of common skin concerns and conditions.

Whether you’re dealing with dryness and dehydration or are hoping to reduce redness and soothe sensitivity, ceramide moisturisers, creams, and more can be an effective way to tackle your skincare issues.

In other words, ceramides are a must-have skincare ingredient for anyone who wants healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin. And who doesn’t want that? If you still need convincing, read on to see our experts explain the many benefits of ceramides and how to add them to your daily beauty routine.

Skincare 101: What are Ceramides?

Regardless of your skin tone or type, each of us has a natural skin protective barrier. This barrier has two main functions: First, it locks in moisture to prevent dehydration, and second, it protects our skin from pollution, irritants, and other environmental aggressors. Think of ceramides as “building blocks” that help support this natural barrier.

Ceramides are lipids or fat molecules that are found in the uppermost layers of the skin (the stratum corneum). They make up over 50% of our skin’s composition, so it’s no surprise that they play a vital role in how your skin looks and feels.

If your skin is full of ceramides, it will retain moisture and ward off environmental threats. The result? A hydrated, healthy, and plump complexion that doesn’t get irritated easily. On the other hand, if your ceramide levels are low, you may be more susceptible to dryness, dullness and red, rough skin.

Why our Skin loses Ceramides

While all of us naturally have ceramides in our skin, the exact amount of ceramides can become depleted over time. The two biggest causes of ceramide depletion? Ageing and sun damage (yet another reason to slap on an SPF and sun protection everyday!). A poor diet, pollution, dry air, hot showers, and harsh skincare products can also play a part in lowering your ceramide levels, as can overusing acids and other active ingredients.

As ceramide levels decline, our skin’s barrier weakens and starts letting in nasties it otherwise wards off, like pollution, UV rays, and other irritants. You might notice fine lines, wrinkles, dry patches, and visible dehydration, and your eczema or rosacea might flare up.

How to Prevent your Skin from Losing Ceramides

While ceramide loss is concerning, the good news is that it’s totally preventable. You can top up your skin’s ceramide levels by using targeted products - and the sooner you start using them, the stronger your skin’s barrier will become.

In the skincare world, ceramides have earned their reputation as a powerhouse ingredient for a few reasons. This is what ceramides do for skin:

• They restore the skin’s barrier and strengthen it against environmental stressors.
• They boost your skin’s moisture levels, leaving it healthy and hydrated.
• They soften and smooth the skin.
• They firm and plump the skin for fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
• They can soothe sensitive skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.
• They’re ideal for all skin types, even sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Plus, they’re safe to use around the eyes, as long as the product is free from fragrances and irritation.

Top Tip:  If you come across a product that says it “replenishes the skin,” chances are it contains ceramides!

How to add Ceramides to you Beauty Routine

For healthy, happy skin, look for serums, oils, and moisturisers with ceramides. Since ceramides are such a star ingredient, especially for anti-ageing skincare, most brands will proudly display ceramide content on the label.

But before you toss out your favourite product because it doesn’t say “ceramides” on it, be mindful that ceramides are also known by a few other science-y names like AP, EOP, NG, NP, and NS. When you’re shopping for ceramides in skincare, keep an eye out for those names, plus “phytosphingosine” or “sphingosine”. These are ceramide precursors, which means they can encourage your skin to make ceramides on its own.

Skincare aside, you can double up on the benefits of ceramides by using the right makeup products. Our Skin Renew Ceramide Concealer is the best concealer for sensitive skin, and is perfect for covering up imperfections without drying out the skin. Better yet, the doe foot applicator and sponge tip make it easy to apply, store, and stash it in your handbag for on-the-go touch-ups.

Top Tip: Want more ceramide-rich makeup? Keep an eye out for our new Skin Renew Ceramide Foundation, a hydrating full-coverage foundation that’s just launched!

Give your Daily Beauty Routine a boost

Ceramides are usually associated with skincare products, like night creams and moisturisers. Now, with our brand new Skin Renew line, you can treat your skin to makeup containing ceramides, too! There’s officially no reason not to treat your skin to this luxurious skincare ingredient that promises to hydrate, plump, and restore your skin.

Ready to seriously soothe your skin? Shop  makeup for sensitive skin online now for free shipping on all orders over $60.