What is the skin barrier?
I’ve used the term ‘skin barrier’ in a number of my blogs, but never really explained what it is, and why it’s so important we maintain a healthy skin barrier. So for those who may be curious - read on!
What is the skin barrier?
It’s a classic quiz question: what is the largest organ in the human body? The answer: your skin. Not only is it the largest, but it’s the organ that gets the most variation in living conditions - heat, dry, wet, cold… making skincare a vital element in caring for this particular organ? Why? Because our skin barrier is our defensive wall against environmental aggressors, from UVA and UVB to pollutants. It’s also vital in the management of hydration - and hydration is key to healthy skin, healthy internal organs and a healthy brain.
The skin barrier is made up of multiple layers, starting with the one you can see - the stratum corneum. This is often described as being like a brick wall, with the cells as bricks and a lipid matrix (made up of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol) which act as a flexible mortar, holding it all firmly together. This micromes thin brick wall is basically keeping us alive, preventing uncontrolled dehydration and attack from environmental toxins and pathogens.
So, now you know what it is, you can see why it’s so important we protect it.
What can damage the skin barrier?
As I have already said, the skin barrier is our first line of defence against environmental aggressors, and these very aggressors can also damage our skin barrier.
Too much humidity or too dry an environment (think air con and central heating)
Air pollutants
Too much sun exposure
Alkaline detergents and soaps
Over-exfoliation or over-washing
Steroids
Severe emotional upset and stress
Ageing
Ageing, of course, while not proactively attacking the skin barrier, certainly weakens it, giving the other aggressors more power.
How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged?
There are a number of key indicators that your skin barrier is struggling and needs some support.
Dryer feeling skin, which can flake or look scaly
Itching
Rough patches or blemishes
Breakouts
Sensitive or inflamed areas
Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
How do I protect my skin barrier?
Skincare starts from within, which means your diet and lifestyle will affect your skin barrier. Drink plenty of water, and feed your skin with a good diet packed with fresh fruit and veg, and plenty of fibre. Take a daily digestion support supplement if your digestion doesn’t feel quite right, and add a vitamin D tablet to your daily routine. Everything is connected, so if you treat yourself right, it will show in your skin.
Topical skincare can, of course, be extremely powerful, and setting up a good daily routine is key. Once you’re in your routine, it will become a healthy habit. I love my morning routine, and nighttime too; at the start of the day it’s just 15 minutes all about me, where I can sit and focus on nothing more than looking after myself. At night, winding down with a gentle cleanse and moisturise is an important part of my bedtime routine, helping me get a good night’s sleep.
What is a good daily skincare routine?
Cleanse: a gentle cleanse to remove any leftover makeup and the residue of last night’s skincare
Exfoliate: a face wash with AHAs to lift away dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin
Feed: a serum to address a need - breakouts, hydration, blemishes, etc
Hydrate: a moisturiser packed with peptides to feed skin and moisturise that upper layer
SPF: always
I work with all my clients, whatever treatment they come to see me for at DPC Clinic, to help the get a great daily skincare routine in place. Whether that’s using SkinGoal products, or not. I love it when my clients tell me they’ve found a skincare product they love, as it means they are aware of how their skin feels. What we can then do is make sure the whole routine works in its entirety, to help keep your skin barrier strong and your skin looking, and feeling, great.
Love, Penny xxx