And while we’ve commercialized products, devices, and treatmentsskin care starts with barrier care.
We asked dermatologists for the 101 on barrier repair from signs of damage to best repair remedies and more.
Let’s dive in.
What is the skin barrier?
First things firstlet us explain what exactly the barrieris.
“This layer is made up of exfoliating skin cells that turn over every 28 days.
Now you know theverybasic function of the skin barrier.
Up next, a quick breakdown of each part of the stratum corneum in a bit more detail.
In turn, a healthy skin barrier means a healthier you, and vice versa.
When you look in the mirror, you’re looking at your skin barrier.
It’s quite literally the most recognizable part of you.
But either wayrealizing your skin barrier is out of wack isn’t always easy, either.
Sinai School of MedicineJeannette Graf, M.D., says skin care products might be the most common culprit.
“The most common is over-stripping the skin of its natural oils,” Graf says.
“This can be done by washing your face too much and over-exfoliating the skin,” she adds.
Plus, Graf says these actives should be used in conjunction with a barrier-supporting routine.
Translation: Useoneactive product, not five.
If you’re looking to exfoliate, useoneexfoliating serumor physical wash, not bothyou get the idea.
Summary
Diet
Know this: Yourgut and skinare directly connected.
“Gut inflammation eventually can becomesystemicinflammation.
But what foods are the most triggering?
Evenacne, the most common skin condition, can beimprovedwhen focusing on gut health.
“One study found aprobiotic supplementimproved acne in 80% of the 300 participants3.
Another study noted on the AAD demonstrated that a low-glycemic index dietmay result in fewer pimples.
Not sure which foods are considered high on the glycemic index?Check out this story.
“Lacking nutrients likeomega-3 fatty acidscan be an issue, as well,” Westbay says.
Stress
When your body’s cortisol levels are spiked, your skin shifts.
What’s more,chronicstress can lead to animbalanced microbiomein which the bacteria responsible for acne can flourish.
This is why it’s so essential to prioritize UV protection via face and bodysunscreen.
This means they’re just a bit closer to a compromised barrier without being exposed to any other triggers.
This is why it issoimportant for those with eczema androsaceato visit a dermatologist for assistance.
Having sensitive skin naturally
Those withsensitive skinalready have a compromised skin barrier as well.
Remember how the barrier functions as a protective shield?
Well, that applies to “normal” skin, or skin that isn’t as sensitive.
Don’t worryyou can repair it.
More on that next.
Are you more stressed than usual?
Here are more tips to calming the skin, specificallyreducing redness.
These can be found in serums, essences, face mists, or moisturizers.
Do your best to consumeloadsof water to support your hydration levels and preventdehydrated skinand consume skin-loving ingredients.
Skin supplements are one easy way to essentially ingest skin carethinkceramides,hyaluronic acid,antioxidants, etc.
Luckily, the skin is an incredibly resilient organ.
This means it can certainly be healed.
In fact, it doesn’t take too long.
Luckily, the skin is an incredibly resilient organ and can be healed.
In fact, it doesn’t take too long.
Is my skin barrier permanently damaged?
What should I avoid with a damaged skin barrier?
Your skin barrier is incredibly important for your health, but it’s also easily damaged.
To repair a damagedskin barrier, avoidirritating ingredients, procedures, and devices.
Opt for hydrating, soothing topical products and prioritize hydration from within as well.
