Maintaining the health of our skin is essential to ensure good physical and mental health. It’s our first line of defense against pollutants, stress, and environmental hazards, but developing a proper skin barrier isn’t always easy. In this article, we will discuss skin barrier health and how to protect it as your primary form of protection.
1. What Is Your Skin Barrier?
Your skin is your largest organ and the main barrier against the outside world. A healthy skin barrier helps to protect the skin from external environmental aggressors like dirt and infection. It also helps to regulate body temperature by keeping water and heat inside and germs and pollutants out. The skin barrier is made up of oils, proteins, and cells, and it forms a protective layer on the outermost layer of the skin.
Your skin barrier’s job is to maintain the skin’s natural hydration and keep it clean, healthy, and hydrated. A healthy skin barrier is essential in preserving the skin’s natural moisture balance, keeping it from becoming dry and flaky. It also helps retain natural moisture levels and stimulates cell renewal. This helps to protect the skin against irritants, pollutants, and other elements that can cause skin damage.
- Oils: The outermost layer of the skin barrier consists of a thin layer of oils, known as the acid mantle, which helps to protect the skin from bacteria and keep it soft and supple.
- Proteins: The next layer of proteins is made up of natural collagen, elastin, and keratin that help keep moisture in and irritants out.
- Cells: The deepest layer of the skin barrier consists of cells that contain and produce oils and natural proteins. This layer helps to strengthen and protect the skin from damage.
2. Understanding the Benefits of Healthy Skin Barrier Protection
Having healthy skin doesn’t just look great – it can actually go a long way towards helping your body protect itself. When your body’s protective barrier is fully intact, it can effectively shield you from a variety of harmful threats, such as allergens, bacteria, and other environmental irritants. Here’s how to get the most out of your skin’s defence system.
Find products with important lipids.
- Look for oils that are rich in lipids, like shea butter, olive oil or jojoba oil. These natural ingredients are your skin’s best friend in providing it with the protection it needs.
- Be sure to choose a product with plenty of natural oils so that you can support your skin’s barrier function.
Use a moisturiser every day.
- Choose a daily moisturiser that is designed to promote healthy skin barrier protection. Look for products that don’t contain potentially irritating fragrances and harsh chemicals.
- Moisturiser is the best way to ensure your skin remains healthy and hydrated while also providing it with the vital lipids necessary for proper barrier protection.
3. Daily Steps for Healthy Skin Barrier Care
- Cleansing: A daily cleanse is an essential step to healthy skin. Start by using a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that can block pores and create an imbalance. Follow with a light moisturizer immediately after.
- Exfoliating: Unlike a cleanser, an exfoliant is designed to provide deeper cleansing by removing dry skin and dead skin cells. It is important to exfoliate once or twice a week, however, be sure not to over-exfoliate as this could create further irritation to the skin.
- Hydrating: Keeping your skin properly hydrated will also help with barrier maintenance. Moisturizing should always be done when the skin is damp so as to lock in moisture. Always choose a light moisturizer that is tailored to your skin type.
After cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, it is important to protect the skin barrier from environmental stressors. Applying a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF can help to protect the skin against UV radiation and other forms of oxidative stress. Be sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen and replace it every few months. Additionally, wearing lightweight clothing and avoiding direct contact with other pollutants can also help to maintain the skin barrier.
4. Signature Ingredients to Nurture and Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is your most powerful defense against environmental stressors, but it needs a little help. Here are 4 ingredients you can add to your skincare routine to nurture and strengthen your skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid:
