Your skin barrier acts as a protective shield, keeping your skin healthy and protected from harmful external factors like bacteria, pollutants, and moisture loss. A healthy barrier ensures that your skin remains soft, hydrated, and resilient against environmental stressors. But what happens when this barrier becomes damaged?
When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to issues like dryness, redness, sensitivity, and even acne. Therefore, maintaining a strong and healthy skin barrier is essential for achieving and maintaining healthy skin.
What is the skin barrier?
Our skin consists of three distinct layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. These layers form a complex network that defends against external influences, regulates temperature, and retains water.
The skin barrier is best described as a protective layer located at the surface of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). It comprises a combination of fatty substances, skin cells, and lipids that together form an impermeable shield.
This barrier acts as a "seal," preventing harmful substances like bacteria, environmental pollutants, and allergens from penetrating the skin, while also retaining water to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
How can you tell if your skin barrier is damaged?
When your skin barrier isn’t functioning properly, various skin concerns may arise, including:
- Dry and rough skin: A weakened skin barrier struggles to retain moisture, resulting in dryness, flakiness, and a tight feeling
- Sensitivity and irritation: Skin becomes more reactive to external factors like weather changes or chemicals in skincare products, often leading to redness, itching, and a stinging sensation
- Redness and inflammation: Damage to the protective layer can cause inflammation or localized flare-ups.
- Acne and breakouts: A compromised barrier allows bacteria and impurities to penetrate the pores, potentially triggering acne and other blemishes.
- Uneven skin texture: When the skin barrier is damaged, the skin can feel rough, scaly, and uneven due to impaired cellular regeneration.
Common causes of a damaged skin barrier
Several factors can disrupt the natural protective function of the skin barrier.
The most common include:
- Over-cleansing: Excessive washing with harsh products can strip the skin of its natural oils, which are vital for moisture retention and environmental defense.
- Use of harsh skincare ingredients: Aggressive substances can strip away the skin's protective layers.
- Environmental factors: Cold weather, pollution, and excessive UV exposure weaken the skin barrier.
- Stress: Psychological stress can trigger inflammatory processes in the body that manifest on the skin
How to protect and repair your skin barrier
Repairing the skin barrier isn’t an overnight process. The recovery time depends on the extent of the damage and the use of the right products. It requires patience and diligent care.
To aid in skin recovery, it’s important to provide sufficient time for healing while supporting the skin with gentle, nourishing products that strengthen its natural defenses and promote regeneration.
Here are some simple yet effective steps to help restore your skin’s protective barrier:
- Use gentle skincare products: Prioritize mild, hydrating products free from harsh chemicals.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Skin needs moisture to maintain its protective function and elasticity. Drink plenty of water and choose hydrating products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
- Protect against environmental stressors: Even in winter, apply sunscreen, and don’t forget protective balms and creams to prevent skin dryness caused by cold weather and wind.
- Cleanse and treat with care: Clean your skin with gentle cleansers that don’t strip its natural oils. Occasionally, indulge in restorative treatments such as hydrating masks or reparative serums to refresh and rejuvenate the skin.
What about hemptouch products?
For addressing a damaged barrier, Hemptouch recommends the Replenishing Facial Care Set, which replenishes dehydrated skin, supplies antioxidants and essential nutrients, and strengthens the skin's protective layer.
Quenches the thirst of dehydrated skin, supplying it with antioxidants and essential nutrients and strengthening the functioning o.. Details
$64.00
$60.80
Additionally, consider the Moisturising Bright Essence, which deeply hydrates and delivers precious antioxidants after cleansing, and the Replenishing AntioxidantFace Oil, which nourishes, restores, and fortifies the skin's protective shield. Its lightweight, velvety texture absorbs instantly, soothing even the most sensitive skin.
Moisturising Bright Essence 100 ml
A lightweight hydrating serum that delivers deep-level hydration, plumps, and brightens the appearance of the skin while boosting .. Details
$27.50
Replenishing Antioxidant Face Oil 30 ml
A highly regenerative face oil featuring a unique blend of organic, antioxidant-rich, superfood seed oils that helps strengthen th.. Details
$36.50
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-barrier
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
