If you are a Skincare enthusiast or someone who has just started this journey, you might have noticed that all skin care routines in 2024 are about caring for the skin barrier. Through this blog we will dive into what a skin barrier is, its uses, and how to protect or repair a damaged skin barrier.
Skin Barrier and Its Uses
The skin barrier is actually the outermost layer of the skin known as Stratum Corneum consisting of special cells (Corneocytes), and lipids that hold it together. These lipids include Cholesterol, Fatty Acids and Ceramides.
Let’s take a look at its uses now:
- Protects the skin against environmental pollutants and Sun damage
- Prevents the entry of bacteria and other pathogens into the skin with its acidic pH of around 4.7
- Locks in skin moisture, preventing its loss by evaporation
Skin Barrier Damage
Wondering how this skin barrier gets damaged? Well! To begin with, ageing is an important factor that leads to a decline in skin barrier health. In addition to this, various external and internal factors that damage it are:
- Too dry or humid environment
- Pollutants & irritants
- Exposure to harsh chemicals & sun damage
- Overuse of skin exfoliators & steroids
- Stress & unhealthy lifestyle
Protection and Repair of Skin Barrier
Let us now take a look at what we can do to protect and repair the skin barrier against damage:
- Simplify the Skin Care Routine to avoid using exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and Retinol together.
- Maintain the pH of skin using facial cleansers with the pH of around 4.0-5.0 to protect against skin conditions like dermatitis, ichthyosis and acne.
- Use Ceramides rich skincare products to maintain the integrity of skin barrier and improve dryness and itchiness that arises due to damaged skin barrier.
- Use moisturisers containing Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid that create a thin film on the skin preventing water loss.
Pro-Tip: Eat Antioxidants and Vitamin Rich Food
To promote skin health from the inside out, eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, and E, and vital fatty acids. Stay hydrated to promote a moisturised, plump skin.
Takeaway
Maintaining a healthy Skin Barrier is an important part of Skin Care. Stay away from harsh chemicals & stress and include a healthy diet and good skincare products rich in Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, etc. to promote skin barrier repair.
