Your Winter Barrier Repair Guide
The Essential Foundation for Skin Integrity
Cold temperatures and reduced humidity place increased stress on the skin barrier. As transepidermal water loss rises, dryness, reactivity and visible redness can emerge—signalling compromised skin barrier function.
Restoring the complexion during winter requires targeted care. This guide explores the role of ceramides, lipids and Skin Identical actives in reinforcing optimal skin function.
Ceramides + Lipids:
The Building Blocks of Skin Nourishment
Our RATIONALE Founder and Director of Research, Richard Parker, explains:
“Ceramides are the most abundant lipids (oils) found in the skin’s uppermost layers. They are one part of the three-part group of intercellular barrier lipids that fill the gaps between our surface skin cells and keep our skin moisturised. The other two intercellular lipids are fatty acids and cholesterol.”
Skin Barrier:
Your Body’s First Line of Defence
Your skin barrier protects against external aggressors and moisture loss. Made up of skin cells held together by ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, it keeps skin strong and resilient. When weakened, it becomes more prone to irritation, dehydration, and inflammation.
#4 The Integrity Collection is an integral component of any Essential Six ritual. As skin fluctuates with age, seasonal changes, and environmental damage, one thing we can rely on is this collection to support our skin’s first line of defence.”
– Ellie Bowley, Training and Coursework Designer
#4 The PreCleanse Balm
Suitable for: All skin types.
#4 The PreCleanse Balm is the ideal starting point for your evening ritual. This lipid-rich formula nourishes, locks in moisture, and restores hydration, whilst removing all traces of makeup and SPF. For best results, double cleanse in the evening—starting with this balm, followed by #4 The Cleanser—to maximise lipid and ceramide replenishment.
#4 The Cleanser
Suitable for: All skin types.
This award-winning cleanser strengthens skin barrier function with intercellular lipids and ceramides, comforting the complexion while removing all traces of the day. In need of extra hydration? Leave this on as a treatment for ten minutes, then rinse off.
#4 The Eye Crème
Suitable for: All skin types.
Brighten and nourish your under-eye area with our luxurious eye crème, reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles while providing glowing hydration.
The Integrity Collection
Ceramide and Lipid Complex.
Formulations to restore and nourish skin's barrier function.
#4 The PreCleanse Balm
Benefits
Thoroughly cleanses, Visibly calms, Amplifies suppleness,
#4 The Cleanser
Benefits
Gently cleanses, Nourishes, Amplifies suppleness,
#4 The Eye Creme
Benefits
Visibly brightens, Nourishes,
Suited To
All skin,
#4 The Crème
Benefits
Hydrates, Amplifies suppleness, Visibly firms,