If you're into skincare, you've undoubtedly come across the word 'skin barrier'. At Almaaz we do everything we can to offer you healthy, radiant skin. You can't just get a healthy glow, because it depends on the condition of your skin barrier. In this article we look at what this actually means and how you can get started yourself.
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier, also called the epidermal barrier, is the outer layer of your skin. This top layer consists mainly of lipids (fats) and dead skin cells, which protect you against harmful external influences. This barrier has several functions:
Protection against external factors, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and harmful substances;
Retain moisture and prevent dehydration;
Regulating body temperature;
The immune system's first line of defense against pathogens.
Why is the skin barrier important?
A healthy one skin barrier is the basis for radiant skin. If this protective layer is damaged, you will experience complaints. Think of irritations, dryness, inflammation or serious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. A disrupted protective wall also makes the skin more sensitive to allergens and environmental pollution, which can cause further damage.
Causes of weakened skin
Before we look at how we can make your skin stronger, I would first like to take you through the causes of affected skin skin barrier:
Over-cleansing – using harsh cleansers strips the skin's natural oils.
Climatic conditions - extreme weather, such as cold, heat or wind, dries out the skin.
Improper skincare - products with fragrances, alcohol or other irritants damage the skin.
Nutrition and hydration – a lack of essential fatty acids and not drinking enough water also dries out the skin.
Stress and lack of sleep - logically these factors affect your skin by causing your hormones to fluctuate.
How do you strengthen the skin's barrier?
Now that you know what the is the skin barrier and how it becomes damaged, now is the time to see how you can strengthen it:
Use gentle cleansers , such as gentle, non-foaming products that preserve the skin's natural oils.
Hydrate regularly by using moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Avoid irritants, such as unusually high levels of alcohol in cosmetics and parabens.
Protect yourself from the sun with a good day cream and apply it when you go out into the bright sun.
Eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and drink plenty of water.
Work on your stress and improve your sleep!
Good luck! Do you have questions? Approach our own skin therapist .
