All you need to know about your skin barrier & how to look after it
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin, which acts as a protective shield against environmental stressors and pathogens. It is composed of a complex network of lipids, proteins, and skin cells that work together to maintain skin hydration and protect it from harmful external factors.
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of the skin barrier, what impacts it, the signs of a damaged skin barrier, and how to protect it.
Why is the skin barrier important?
The skin barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. It helps to keep the skin hydrated by preventing water loss, and it protects the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the skin barrier plays a critical role in preventing infection by keeping harmful bacteria and viruses out.
What impacts the skin barrier?
There are several factors that can impact the skin barrier, including:
Harsh skincare products
Using products that contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that disrupt the skin's natural pH balance can damage the skin barrier.
Environmental stressors
Exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can weaken the skin barrier.
Age
As we age, the skin barrier becomes thinner and less effective at protecting the skin.
Genetics
Some people may be genetically predisposed to having a weaker skin barrier.
Signs of a damaged skin barrier
If your skin barrier is damaged, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Dryness and flakiness
When the skin barrier is damaged, it can't retain moisture effectively, leading to dry, flaky skin.
Redness and inflammation
A damaged skin barrier can make the skin more susceptible to irritation, leading to redness and inflammation.
Sensitivity
A weakened skin barrier can cause the skin to become more sensitive to external irritants.
Breakouts
When the skin barrier is damaged, it can allow bacteria and other harmful substances to penetrate the skin, leading to breakouts and acne.
Healthy skin barrier vs. unhealthy skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier is characterised by skin that is well-hydrated, plump, and radiant. A healthy skin barrier is also better able to protect the skin from external stressors, leading to fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone.
An unhealthy skin barrier, on the other hand, is characterized by dryness, flakiness, redness, inflammation, and sensitivity. An unhealthy skin barrier is also more susceptible to breakouts and can lead to uneven skin tone and texture.
How to protect your skin barrier
To protect your skin barrier, it's important to take a gentle and consistent approach to skincare. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy skin barrier:
Use gentle, pH-balanced skincare products
Choose skincare products that are gentle on the skin and formulated with a pH that is similar to the skin's natural pH.
Avoid over-cleansing
Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can damage the skin barrier. Instead, aim to cleanse your skin once or twice a day using a gentle cleanser.
Moisturise regularly
Regular moisturising can help to keep the skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier. Choose a moisturiser that is suited to your skin type and apply it daily.
Protect your skin from the sun
UV radiation can damage the skin barrier, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
Products we recommend to repair a damaged barrier
Revitalising Cleanser
Our gentle, milky cleanser is the perfect cleanser for damaged skin barriers. This soothing cleanser can be used on the most sensitive of skin types and is formulated with skin calming ingredients such as Chamomile which has anti-inflammatory properties to calm, soothe and reduce redness.
Revitalising Toner
Spritz the Revitalising Toner over freshly cleansed skin to brighten and soothe redness and inflamed skin. Infused with skin brightening Vitamin C, soothing Cucumber and Sodium PCA to increase moisture retention in the skin. Our Revitalising Toner is the perfect pick me up AM, PM and throughout the day to soothe and help repair damaged skin barriers.
Calming Serum
Formulated with our unique anti-inflammatory Botanical Calming Complex to reduce redness, Soothing Phytocomplex to reduce swelling and discomfort and Walnut extract to protect against further environmental pollutants. This unique serum can be used twice daily to hydrate and soothe inflamed skin, giving an instant calming effect with redness instantly reduced. Can also be used on sunburn, burns, breakouts and even an allergic reaction.
Revitalising Day Moisturiser
Our Revitalising Day Moisturiser works on three levels, to thoroughly hydrate and nourish skin, soothe irritation, repair the skin barrier, and provide that all-important sun protection. It contains encapsulated SPF30 which protects against UV damage, together with clinically proven actives to lock in moisture and reduce sensitivity.
In conclusion, the skin barrier is a vital component of healthy skin. It protects the skin from external stressors and helps to maintain skin hydration. By taking a gentle and consistent approach to skincare, you can help to protect and maintain a healthy skin barrier, leading to happy, healthy skin!
