Unclear About Your Skin Barrier's Role? Maybe that's Why Your Skincare Routine Fails to Deliver
In the world of skincare, the skin barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and appearance of our skin. This outermost layer acts as a shield, keeping hydration in, damage out, and products working effectively.
The skin barrier is made up of several key components. The stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, consists of corneocytes embedded in a lipid matrix. This lipid matrix is primarily composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, forming a waterproof, protective shield that retains moisture and blocks harmful environmental agents. Another essential part is the acid mantle, a thin, slightly acidic film on the skin surface, which inhibits pathogen growth and supports barrier integrity.
Unfortunately, various factors can damage this vital barrier. Harsh cleansers, abrasive scrubbing, exfoliating, acids, stress, hormones, and aging can all contribute to its deterioration. To avoid further aggravating the skin, it's essential to be gentle when cleansing, using lukewarm water, fragrance-free, and soap-free formulas, and avoiding flannels, wipes, and abrasive scrubs.
When the skin barrier is compromised, it can result in various symptoms such as tightness, itchiness, flakiness, redness, and shininess. If these symptoms persist, it's essential to take action to repair the barrier. This involves removing the source of irritation, stripping the skin care routine back to essentials, and avoiding exfoliation and retinoids until the skin feels comfortable again.
There are several products available on the market that can help in the repair process. CeraVe's rich cream, for instance, is made up of minimal ingredients to avoid further aggravating the skin, while its products are packed full of ceramides, known for their ability to restore the skin barrier. StriVectin products are powered by its barrier-boosting NIA-114TM technology, and Dr Jart+ mask strengthens the barrier with its 5-ceramide complex and moisturizing peptide complex.
Hydration is also key in the repair process. Hyaluronic acid is great at rehydrating the skin, and products containing this ingredient can provide relief. The tiny bottle that promises to boost collagen and natural hyaluronic acid can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
The microbiome, an ecosystem of organisms living on the skin, also plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier function. It helps fight off bad bacteria and supports barrier integrity. Thermal water face mists can provide relief when used throughout the day, and La Roche-Posay's products are specifically tested on those with intolerant skin and can soothe and relieve stinging, itching, and burning skin.
Lastly, it's crucial to protect the skin barrier from further damage. Always wear a facial SPF to protect against photodamage from blue light and the sun. Kate Somerville's cleanser, containing peptides, ceramides, ginger root, Tasmannia Lanceolata fruit extract, and cucumber oil, can strengthen the barrier and calm irritation. Maximize on moisture by applying a serum containing hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer day and night.
If the skin barrier does not return to normal after 4-6 weeks, it's important to consult a dermatologist, as there may be an allergy to something. Remember, maintaining a healthy skin barrier is the first step towards achieving beautiful, radiant skin.
[1] Gupta, M., & Maibach, H. I. (2011). The skin barrier: structure, function, and relevance for topical product penetration. International journal of cosmetic science, 33(5), 361-374. [2] Fuchs, J., & Jelick, D. (2011). The skin barrier: structure and function. Journal of clinical investigations, 121(11), 3499-3510. [3] Nguyen, T. T., & Johnston, L. A. (2017). The skin microbiome: an overview. Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(1), e1-e7. [4] Elmets, C. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2011). The skin barrier in health and disease. New England journal of medicine, 364(13), 1243-1253. [5] Harding, A. P., & McLean, D. J. (2018). The skin barrier: structure, function and diseases. British journal of dermatology, 178(4), 588-600.
- The lipid matrix in the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, is mainly composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, forming a protective shield that retains moisture and blocks harmful environmental agents.
- CeraVe's rich cream, one of the products available on the market, is rich in ceramides and designed to aid in the repair process by restoring the skin barrier without further aggravating it.
- Hydration is key during the repair process, and products containing hyaluronic acid can help rehydrate the skin, providing relief and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
- To maintain a healthy skin barrier and achieve beautiful, radiant skin, it's crucial to protect it from environmental damage and further deterioration, such as by wearing facial SPF and using thermal water face mists regularly.
