Understanding Skin Barrier Function
The skin, our body’s largest organ, plays a crucial role in safeguarding us from the external environment. One of its most essential functions is the skin barrier function. This intricate defense mechanism acts as a shield, protecting our body from various external aggressors while maintaining the internal balance.
What is the Skin Barrier Function?
The skin barrier function, also known as the epidermal barrier, refers to the protective layer on the skin’s outermost surface. Comprising of lipids, proteins, and cells, this barrier forms a formidable defense against a myriad of potential threats including pollutants, pathogens, UV radiation, and moisture loss.
Components of the Skin Barrier Function:
Lipid Bilayers - The skin’s outermost layer consists of a complex arrangement of lipids, including ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. These lipids create a ‘brick-and-mortar’ structure that holds skin cells together, preventing the penetration of harmful substances.
Stratum Corneum - This is the outermost layer of the epidermis, comprised of dead skin cells held together by lipids. The stratum corneum acts as a physical barrier that prevents foreign particles from entering the body.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) - A mixture of water-soluble compounds like amino acids and sugars, NMF helps maintain the skin’s hydration levels. Adequate hydration is crucial for a healthy skin barrier as it prevents the skin from becoming dry, cracked, and more susceptible to damage.
Acid Mantle - Your skin barrier is slightly acidic. This acidity helps provide protection against the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that could damage your skin and lead to infections and other skin conditions.
Washing our faces is necessary but it often leaves our skin more alkaline than what is ideal. This is when a pH balancing product comes in handy such as Derma-V or a toner.
Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier:
A well-functioning skin barrier is essential for maintaining overall skin health. It prevents excessive water loss, maintains optimal hydration, and regulates the skin’s pH. Furthermore, it shields against irritants and allergens, reducing the risk of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
How do you know if your skin barrier is compromised?
If you experience any of the following symptoms your skin barrier is likely compromised
dry, scaly skin
itchiness
rough or discolored patches
acne
sensitive or inflamed areas
bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
Factors Affecting the Skin Barrier Function
Several factors can compromise the integrity of the skin barrier, leading to issues like sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation. These include:
too humid or too dry environment
allergens, irritants, and pollutants
too much sun exposure
harsh products or ingredients
over-exfoliation or over-washing
genetic factors and health conditions
aging, which can lead to a decrease in lipid production
mixing active ingredients eg. using retinol and AHA on the same night.
How to nourish your skin barrier
Pay attention to pH - Maintaining a balanced pH is as simple as using a toner after cleansing
Gentle Cleansers - Speaking of cleansers, opt for hydrating/gentle cleansers that leave your skin feeling softer.
UV Protection - Too many UVs can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. The best prevention is a health dose of SPF! Don’t forget to reapply thought the day.
Don’t mix actives - Many actives such as retinol are benefital to skin health. However they don’t all get along with each other. Avoid layering actives together to avoid nasty side effects.
Prebiotics - Food for your microbiome! Prebiotics provide nutrition for the ‘good’ bacteria that live on our skin. When this healthy bacteria is strong, ‘bad’ bacteria cannot thrive.
Product Recommendations
Derma-V
It’s been a year since we first brought Derma-V into Hebe and we have fallen in love. Derma-V contains prebiotics, antioxidants and hydrators. A lovely combo when it comes to skin barrier function.
Calming Toner
ZO Calming Toner is gentle yet effective. It’s pH balancing and leaves your skin prepped and ready for serums.
Balancing Cleansing Emulsion
The newest product from ZO this cleanser is fragrance, dye and sulphate free. This gel-to-milk cleanser supports the protective skin barrier leaving even the most sensitive skin feeling soothed, supple and strong.
In conclusion
In essence, the skin barrier function is an intricate and vital aspect of our skin’s overall health. By understanding its importance and implementing a thoughtful skincare routine, we can maintain a resilient shield against external stressors and promote a radiant, healthy complexion
