INTRODUCTION:
Your skin barrier protects your body from free radicals. Harsh environments are often the cause of damage. Keep it protected using oils, ceramides, and more.
WHAT ARE SKIN BARRIER AND WHAT PURPOSE DOES IT SERVE IN THE BODY?
Your skin is made up of layers, each of which performs important functions in protecting your body. The outermost layer, called the stratum corneum, is often described as a brick wallTrusted Source. It consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes that are bound together by mortar-like lipids. This is your skin barrier.
WHAT CAN DEMAGE MY SKIN IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY?
Daily, your skin defends against a barrage of threats, many of which come from outside your body, and a few come from within.
SOME OF THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR SKIN BARRIER INCLUDE:
- Too Humid Or Too Dry Environment
- Allergens, Irritants, And Pollutants
- Too Much Sun Exposure
- Alkaline Detergents And Soaps
- Exposure To Harsh Chemicals
- Over-Exfoliation Or Over-Washing
- Steroids
- Psychological Distresstrusted Source
- Genetic Factors That May Make You More Prone To Certain Skin Conditions Like Atopic Dermatitis And Psoriasis.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF MY SKIN BARRIER IS DAMAGED?
When your skin barrier is not functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing the following skin symptoms and conditions:
- Dry and scaly skin.
- Itchiness.
- Rough or discolored patches.
- Acne.
- Sensitive or inflamed areas.
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections.
HOW TO PROTECT AND RESTORE YOUR SKIN BARRIER:
Given the importance of maintaining your skin barrier and acid mantle, what can you do to keep them both healthy and functional? Let’s look at five strategies that can help.
Simplify Your Skin Care Routine
If you’re performing a complicated daily skin regimen involving a basketful of products, you may be inadvertently weakening your skin barrier. Consider talking with a dermatologist or another skin care professional about which products are essential and most effective.
If you’re exfoliating, notice how your skin reacts to the method you use. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, those with sensitive skin and darker skin tones may want to use a soft cloth and a mild chemical exfoliant. Some types of scrubs and brushes may temporarily damage your skin barrier.
- Pay attention to pH
- Your skin’s delicate acid mantle hovers around a pH of 4.7Trusted Source. But the pH of some skin products can range from 3.7 to 8.2.
- Researchers recommend cleansing with a product that has a pH between 4.0 and 5.0Trusted Source.
- Keeping your skin’s pH at a healthy level may help protect you from skin conditions like dermatitis, ichthyosis, acne, and Candida albicans infections. Although not all products list their pH, some do.
- Try a plant oil to replenish your skin barrier
TAKEWAY
If you have a skin condition, follow your treatment plan as directed by your Aesthetician . Look for products that are non-comedogenic and free of harsh ingredients. These products are less likely to damage the skin barrier. Shop NOW
