With cold air, harsh winds and the dry warmth of indoor heating, winter asks more of your skin than any other season. When your skin barrier is compromised, the consequences are felt immediately: tightness, dryness, redness and sensitivity. But with a targeted ritual and the right active ingredients to support skin barrier function, skin can be calmed, soothed and nourished.
Skin barrier support starts with nourishing ceramides and lipids, which play a critical role in reinforcing barrier function and restoring hydration. By strengthening this structure, skin becomes more resilient, better able to retain moisture and less prone to dryness and irritation.
#4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm
Key benefits: This cleansing balm-to-oil formula is gently and nourishing on skin, whilst thoroughly cleansing all traces of makeup, SPF and debris. It leaves skin smooth, supple and comforted, reinforcing the skin’s barrier.
Key actives: Lipids, ceramides and antioxidants
Suitable for: All skin types
#4 The Nourishing Cleanser
Key benefits: This creamy, gentle cleanser is enriched with ceramides and lipids, which support skin barrier function—leaving skin calm, comforted and nourished.
Key actives: Ceramides, lipids and a multi-vitamin complex
Suitable for: All skin types
#4 The Nourishing Crème
Key benefits: A deeply rich, nourishing crème which improves hydration, suppleness and firmness, and can be used both morning and night.
Key actives: Ceramides, lipids and peptides
Suitable for: All skin types
#4 The Nourishing Eye Crème
Key benefits: A brightening and hydrating eye crème that reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.
Key actives: Ceramides, peptides and a skin-soothing complex
Suitable for: All skin types
#4 The Nourishing Balm
Key benefits: This intensive balm is specifically designed for very dry skin types. It visibly calms and comforts even the most delicate of skin.
Key actives: Ceramides and lipids
Suitable for: Dry skin types
Frequently Asked Questions
An impaired barrier underlies many common skin concerns — and its signs are often more recognisable than people realise. There are six tell-tale indicators to watch for:
1. Dryness and dehydration
2. Redness, irritation and increased sensitivity
3. Uneven texture
4. Itching, stinging, or tight skin sensations
5. Excessive oiliness, blemishes and congestion
6. Increased sun sensitivity
If your skin is feeling drier, more dehydrated, irritated or reactive, it’s a strong indication that your skin barrier is compromised and needs additional nourishment. Incorporating a ceramide-rich formulation, such as #4 The Nourishing Crème helps restore suppleness and replenish lipids whilst supporting the skin’s barrier defence.
Cold air, indoor heating and low humidity accelerate moisture loss and place additional demands on the skin barrier. Rather than overhauling your ritual entirely, consider adding ceramide- and lipid-rich formulations for added comfort: a richer moisturiser, a nourishing cleanser that doesn't strip the skin's natural lipids, and targeted treatment for any areas of particular dryness or sensitivity.
The visible effects of photoageing accumulate year-round, regardless of temperature or cloud cover. Wearing SPF daily—no matter the season—is essential in protecting skin against UV damage and maintaining a healthy glow.
These are classic signals of barrier disruption, and the response should be targeted replenishment. Ceramides and lipids play a critical role in reinforcing barrier function and restoring hydration. By strengthening this structure, skin becomes more resilient, better able to retain moisture and less prone to irritation.
To protect your skin’s barrier from becoming impaired, it’s important to maximise daily solar protection. In addition, skin barrier support starts with nourishing ceramides and lipids.
Incorporating formulations from #4 The Nourishing Collection, will play a critical role in reinforcing barrier function and restoring hydration. By strengthening this structure, skin becomes more resilient, better able to retain moisture and less prone to irritation.