Save Your Skin Barrier

Protecting your skin barrier now could be one of the blessings your older self will thank you for in the future. Evident signs of again, water loss, dull or rough face, post-breakout marks are long term effects of damaged skin barriers. What is the skin barrier and why is it so important? The outermost layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes that are bound together by mortar-like lipids. It is also called the “brick-mortar” structure—corneocytes as the brick and lipid interface as the mortar in which the “bricks,” contains keratin and natural moisturizers whereas the lipid layer contains cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides.

This skin barrier is depicted as a brick wall as it helps reflect the harmful toxins of the skin’s surface keeping the skin healthy while retaining moisture into the skin. Without it, all sorts of environmental threats that could penetrate your skin and wreak havoc in your body.

Signs of damaged skin barrier:

• Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Acne
• Inflammation 
• rough or discoloured patches
• Skin infections - bacterial,fungal

Nevertheless, it's not too late to repair your skin barrier. Here are a few guidelines to help improve your skin barrier health. 

Reflecting on your skincare routine

Your skincare routine may be harsh towards your skin barrier without you realising it. Over-exfoliating is a common cause for damaging skin barrier as it causes the accelerated removal of dead cells from the skin. Cleansers that leave your face squeaky clean are not as attractive as it looks as it sucks out the important oil needed to protect your skin barrier. Do find suitable cleansers according to your skin type and concerns.

NEVER forget your SPF

Protect your skin from the sun, every day. The ultraviolet rays from the sun is one of the major causes of a damaged skin barrier. Use a sunscreen that is rich in antioxidants and has an SPF of 30 or greater.

Using a moisturizer 

Moisturisers help all skin types protect their skin barrier by reducing water loss and retaining moisture in the skin. Moisturisers that contain ceramides or a humectant like hyaluronic acid can help your skin barrier seal in moisture.

Your skin barrier is your body’s frontline defense against everything the world throws at you. Keeping it healthy is much more than a cosmetic concern. Here's a few products we recommend to protect your skin barrier: