“Skin barrier damage” might seem like a phrase that was coined just to make you worry about another aspect of your skin. But trust us, it is a real thing, and a healthy skin barrier really is the key to getting the best skin you possibly can get.
What is skin barrier?
It is essentially the outermost layer of your skin consisting of skin cells and protein-based substances that hold the cells together like glue. This layer of skin acts like security guards, which block out intruders that are bad for your skin like pollution, smoke, UV and harmful substances, so that internally skin can function well.
What damages skin’s barrier?
Harsh products with irritating ingredients in high amounts, harmful environmental pollutants, overexposure to UV, drastic temperature changes, internal and external stress and even lack of sleep can adversely affect skin’s barrier function. These factors weaken the barrier and causes skin to react.
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What happens when skin’s barrier is damaged?
Signs like skin tightness, dryness, redness, itching, and sensitized skin all point to damaged skin barrier. Sensitized skin is different from sensitive skin. The latter is a skin type and can be clinically diagnosed as eczema, psoriasis or similar conditions, while the former – sensitized skin – is a result of damaged skin barrier.
How to repair damaged skin barrier?
Cut down on exfoliating skincare treatments like scrubs and peels, and curb the use of harsh ingredients like salicylic acid and lathering agents like SLS until your skin has healed. Also, avoid using water that’s too warm when washing your skin and limit washing to twice a day, not more. To nurture your skin’s barrier back to health, use skincare with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides and squalene – these are known to replenish moisture levels and rebuild skin’s structure. Try these skin-healing products: