Recently there’s been more talk about skincare and the importance of your skin barrier. So where did this idea come from? Is it even a real thing that you should know about?
To keep things simple, we’ve known about the skin barrier for a while and yes – you should be aware of it. Don’t worry, just keep reading for the complete rundown of the basics.
Fact or myth?
Scientific fact! One dermatologist named Dr. Albert M. Kligman did a lot of research which began in the mid-20th century. Dr. Kligman’s research focused mainly on the stratum corneum (scientific name for the skin barrier). Through his studies and the work of others, we know that the stratum corneum is important because it protects the body from external factors. As you might imagine – this includes many aspects of skin health including the prevention of water loss, and maintaining overall skin health.
The skin barrier explained…
Your skin’s outer layer is called the epidermis, and the outermost layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum (the skin barrier). So basically your skin barrier is the very outermost layer of your skin.
Put simply, the skin barrier works hard to keep the water inside your body from escaping and evaporating – which is kind of a big deal! It also keeps out harmful environmental toxins and pathogens. Aside from being a physical barrier, it also plays a role in skin elasticity. This is because it has a key role in wound healing, microbial balance, UV protection, and skin turnover/renewal.
Signs of an unhealthy skin barrier
Look out for overly dry skin which might indicate that there is a struggle to retain moisture. Dehydrated skin may also present as a rough texture or flakiness which makes exfoliation difficult. Monitor redness, irritation, itchiness or other forms of discomfort that also stem from skin dehydration.
If the skin barrier is struggling to protect the body from allergens and irritants you might also be experiencing skin sensitivity, inflammation, or swelling. Any of these symptoms could be an indicator of damage that needs attention.
A compromised skin barrier can also contribute to an increased risk of breakouts and acne. This happens when there is a struggle to regulate oil production in the skin or protect against acne-causing bacteria. Irregular oil production can also cause increased pore size and uneven skin tone.
How to care for your skin barrier
So it turns out that your skin barrier is both real and important! Time to improve your skincare routine to benefit your overall health. So where to start?
- Hydration. Regardless of your skin type, seek to include regular moisturisers in your skincare routine. Specifically look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin. Remember that even an oily skin type can benefit from certain skin hydration products as they assist with oil regulation.
- pH. Yep, sounds strange but you need to keep your skin’s pH level within the optimal range to maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is recommended that you cleanse using products with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. This pH range helps to keep your skin at the ideal slightly acidic level.
- Ceramides. Say what now? These natural oils found in the skin help keep your skin hydrated and the skin barrier functioning properly. Studies have shown that skincare products enriched with ceramides can improve the strength and health of your skin barrier! Furthermore, formulations that include ceramides can also help acne-prone skin, especially alongside drying acne treatments.
- Simple and gentle. Some people think that harsh cleaning products will result in cleaner and healthier skin – wrong! Quite the opposite, your skin barrier thrives with gentle cleansing that maintains natural oils. Even if using a harsher topical treatment for acne, remember to keep hydrating with the right products for your skin type.
Please remember, this was just a brief overview for education purposes. If you have more specific skin concerns or further information it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist in person.
