Skin care may be more complex than you realize. To develop an effective and beneficial skincare routine, you must first understand how the skin functions.
The gatekeeper of skin health is the skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin or the stratum corneum. This layer consists of tough skin cells (called corneocytes) that are bound together by skin fats (cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides) and stacked like a brick wall.1
This wall protects your body from external threats like toxins and pathogens. The skin cells also contain keratin and natural moisturizers and keep the water inside your body, thus protecting you from dehydration.2
Thus, nothing could be more critical to your overall health than an intact skin barrier. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your skin barrier and how it’s damaged, repaired, and more.
What Damages the Skin Barrier?
The skin barrier can be damaged by a host of reasons, which are as follows:3
Exposure to extreme temperatures: Extreme weather conditions like high wind, cold climates, and scorching heat or even using very hot or cold water to wash can damage your skin barrier.
Sun damage: UV radiation and atmospheric pollutants are known to have significant skin-damaging effects.
Poor sleep or psychological distress: Stress and insomnia cause your skin to become puffy and unhealthy. This is because most of the skin repair processes are performed by your body when you sleep. If you don’t sleep enough, your skin barrier doesn’t get a chance to renew itself and is then unable to withstand any damage.
Too much exfoliation: Exfoliating too often or too much and using too much force or too rough substances can all contribute to skin damage.
Exposure to harsh chemicals: This includes allergens, environmental toxins, alkaline detergents and soaps, and the overuse of skincare or acne creams with too many active ingredients like AHA and retinoids, which can all cause skin damage and irritation.
Certain medications: Some drugs, like steroids, have side effects that can damage the skin.
Genetics: Certain genetic factors can increase your likelihood of developing skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis, which can destroy the skin barrier.
How to Tell if Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged?
When your skin barrier is intact and functioning efficiently, your skin is most likely to be soft, smooth, and elastic. Conversely, once the skin barrier is damaged, your skin may become dull, rough, and flaky. The most common signs and symptoms of skin barrier damage include:4
- Itchiness
- Redness or rosacea
- Scaly, tight, or dry skin
- Rough patches
- Skin discoloration
- Skin inflammation or infections
- Overly sensitive skin
- Acne or eczema
How to Repair the Skin Barrier?
There are many ways to keep your skin barrier healthy. Here are some of the most effective tips for repairing your skin barrier:5
- Use a simple but consistent skincare routine while trying not to use too many products.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Opt for skin-friendly make-up and gentle cleansers.
- Always use sunscreen and adequate sun protection.
- Opt for plant oils like coconut, sunflower, or almond oil, which can act as antioxidants.
- Moisturize regularly with products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, petrolatum, and glycerin.
- Treat infections and inflammation in the early stages to minimize skin damage.
- Opt for products of a suitable pH (around 4.7).
- Stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, and get adequate sleep.
A healthy and balanced lifestyle is the key to good skin health. Find ways to manage your stress and give yourself enough time to take care of yourself. Pampering and protecting your skin can go a long way toward enriching your overall health and quality of life.
If you found this article useful, visit My Skincare Routine today for more information on skin health, skincare, beauty tips, and more.
SOURCES:
- Healthline: “What to Know About Your Skin Barrier and How to Protect It.”
- Healthline: “What to Know About Your Skin Barrier and How to Protect It.”
- Derm Store: “How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier.”
- Derm Store: “How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier.”
- Byrdie.com: “How to Tell if Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged.”