Have you ever noticed your skin suddenly becoming dry, sensitive or irritated—even if it hasn’t caused you trouble before? Perhaps it reacts more quickly to skincare products, turns red or feels tight and uncomfortable. A weakened skin barrier is often the reason behind these symptoms – the protective layer responsible for maintaining balance, retaining moisture, and shielding the skin from external stressors.
The skin barrier is made up of skin cells and lipids that form a protective wall. When this barrier is compromised, the skin becomes less able to defend itself against outside influences, more sensitive, and prone to losing its natural suppleness and comfort.
Why does the skin need protection?
Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and it comes into contact with countless external influences every day. Pollution, UV radiation, chemicals and microorganisms can all gradually disturb its natural balance. Although the skin has its own defence mechanisms, these are not always enough without the right kind of support.
The skin barrier acts as the first line of defence, preventing harmful substances from penetrating the skin. When the skin loses its ability to self-repair, it becomes more prone to irritation, dryness and even premature ageing. That’s why it needs proper care and support to stay healthy, resilient and protected.
The structure of the skin barrier
The skin barrier is made up of several layers. The outermost layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, composed of corneocytes (dead skin cells) surrounded by a lipid matrix. These lipids act like glue, helping the skin retain moisture.
The most important lipids include:
- Ceramides – essential building blocks that prevent moisture loss.
- Fatty acids – help keep the skin supple and protect against irritants.
- Cholesterol – maintains the stability of the lipid barrier.
The importance of a healthy skin barrier
When the skin barrier is healthy, the skin remains hydrated, soft and resilient against environmental stressors. But when there’s a lack of ceramides or fatty acids, the skin loses its ability to hold onto moisture and becomes dry, sensitive and easily irritated.
An impaired skin barrier is often linked to conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea or acne.
It can also lead to accelerated moisture loss and premature signs of ageing like fine lines and reduced elasticity.
What affects the skin barrier?
The skin barrier is sensitive to both external and internal factors. Weather conditions, UV rays, pollution, and harsh skincare can be just as damaging as stress, an imbalanced diet, hormonal changes, and dehydration.
When the skin loses its natural protection, it often shows signs like dryness, tightness, redness, irritation or increased sensitivity to cosmetic products. To keep the skin in balance, it’s important to choose gentle cleansers, rich moisturisers, and protection from environmental stressors.
Also read: The most common causes of a damaged skin barrier – and how to protect it!
How to support and maintain a healthy skin barrier
The skin’s protective function isn’t guaranteed – it needs regular, supportive care to remain strong and effective.
1. Gentle cleansing without drying
Avoiding harsh cleansers is the first step in protecting the skin barrier. Opt for gentle, sulphate-free formulas that cleanse the skin without stripping its natural lipids.
The Purifying Face Cleanser removes impurities and makeup without drying or irritating. For very dry or sensitive skin, the Hemp Blessed Cleansing Oil is an excellent option, maintaining lipid balance even when removing long-wear makeup.
Purifying Face Cleanser 100 ml
This gentle foaming face wash clarifies pores, decongests blemish-prone skin and removes excess sebum – without stripping or.. Details
$18.50
Hemp Blessed Cleansing Oil 100 ml
A conditioning cleanser gently yet effectively cleanses the skin, removing makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without irritation fo.. Details
$24.00
2. Restorative care with lipids and ceramides
Products rich in fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol help restore the lipid layer and strengthen the skin’s natural defences.
The Replenishing Antioxidant Face Oil is packed with hemp seed oil, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential lipids help prevent dehydration, improve elasticity, and support the regeneration of a healthy barrier.
Replenishing Antioxidant Face Oil 30 ml
An indulgent face oil rich in skin-conditioning omegas, superfoods, and antioxidants. It helps strengthen and restore the skin whi.. Details
$36.50
3. UV protection
UV rays weaken the skin barrier, so daily SPF is essential year-round.
The Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30 with zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while calming the skin and remaining non-comedogenic.
Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30, 50 ml
A mineral-based face sunscreen SPF 30 ensures effective UVA/UVB protection. A lightweight sun shield with invisible finish protect.. Details
$26.00
4. Balanced hydration
A healthy skin barrier needs the right balance of moisture and lipids. It’s essential to use products that not only hydrate but also prevent water loss. The Moisturising Bright Essence delivers deep hydration and boosts microcirculation, thanks to its hyaluronic acid and botanical waters.
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
With consistent and thoughtful skincare, you can maintain a strong skin barrier that protects against external damage, retains moisture, and supports a radiant, balanced complexion.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-barrier-what-to-know
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-barrier
https://www.dermalogica.ie/blogs/skinspiration/what-is-the-skin-barrier
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
