What Is The Skin Barrier? Here’s What You Need to Know
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier, also known as the epidermis, constitutes the outermost layer of your skin. It serves as a protective shield for the deeper layers of your skin and your entire body, guarding against external stressors. The skin barrier's multifaceted role includes shielding you from pathogens, infections, and allergens. It comprises essential components such as cholesterol, ceramides, proteins, and lipids (or fatty acids).
What factors play a role in maintaining health of the skin barrier?
Throughout your day, your skin encounters significant challenges. You've likely come across the term 'free radicals.' These are unstable molecules capable of harming healthy skin cells. They are generated when your skin is exposed to factors like UV rays, pollution, and even cigarette smoke.
The damage inflicted by free radicals is termed 'oxidative stress,' and it is a key contributor to the premature signs of aging in your skin. Additionally, it can lead to a compromised skin barrier.
Dehydration also significantly impacts the behavior of the outermost layer of your skin. A skincare routine that relies on harsh, drying products such as strong soaps or heavy astringent cleansers can harm the skin barrier, resulting in dryness.
Sometimes, we unintentionally harm our skin. This can occur when we use skincare products not suited to our specific skin types or engage in routines that involve excessive exfoliation or too many actives. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it requires immediate attention and care to restore its health, ensuring it can continue protecting the deeper layers of your skin and your overall well-being.
What does an impaired skin barrier look like?
Breakouts
Dry flakey skin
Burning or itching
Redness and soreness
Sensitivity
Rough patches of uneven skin texture
How can you support skin barrier health?
Simplify your skin care routine - ‘gentle cleansing, toning and moisturising’ with the addition of skin ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamins and squalane which help nourish and support the skin barrier.
Avoid harsh or abrasive products that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the barrier like retinol and acids.
Regular application of sunscreen is also vital to shield the skin from UV damage, a common stressor that weakens the barrier.
Incorporating antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, into your skincare regimen can help combat free radical damage
Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, and managing stress levels can further contribute to a strong and healthy skin barrier.
How can we help fix it?
To address a compromised skin barrier, consider scheduling a skin consultation. During this consultation, we can recommend medical-grade skincare products containing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and lipids, which aid in replenishing and strengthening the skin barrier.
At our clinic, we have the means to significantly expedite the healing process using skin boosters. These boosters are designed to enhance the functionality of the skin barrier by increasing hydration and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. The advantages extend beyond improved skin barrier function and include benefits like reduced pore size, a radiant complexion, and assistance in addressing fine lines and scars
