WHY YOUR SKIN NEEDS CHOLESTEROL . . .

CERAMIDES and cholesterol are types of lipids or fats. They’re vital for good skin texture because, along with essential fatty acids, they make up the skin’s lipid layer — the fatty ‘mortar’ that surrounds the ‘bricks’ of cells in the skin’s outer layers.

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Mervyn Patterson, of Woodford Medical, says: ‘The healthiest skin is made up of the correct balance of three key lipids: cholesterol, ceramides and free fatty acids. They are the skin’s natural protection.’

If your skin’s self-defence mechanisms aren’t working as well as they ought, tiny gaps appear, which means your skin can’t hold onto moisture effectively.

Rather than applying a really rich cream, research shows it is better to use a product including cholesterol on older skin.

Scientists from skincare company Skinceuticals found that while dry skin in younger people is mostly due to being short of ceramides, cholesterol is what ageing skin really lacks.

And before you begin to worry, putting cholesterol onto your skin will not in any way affect the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol that is found in the skin is different to the cholesterol found in the veins and arteries.