A consultant dermatologist breaks down the role of the skin barrier and explains how ceramides support it by boosting hydration and calming irritation. For those struggling with skin issues, it can be tempting to overdo skincare routines. This was true for a 32-year-old patient of Dr Joseph Toh, who used harsh exfoliants daily in an attempt to improve her complexion. But the excessive cleansing did more harm than good – she soon developed severe redness, stinging and flaking, recalled the