It’s important to take care of our skin. After all, it is the largest organ in the body and represents us to the rest of the world. Your skin is made up of several layers. You apply a facewash or lotion to the outermost skin layer, also known as the barrier.
Every day, your skin barrier is exposed to the elements and other factors such as air quality, beauty and health products, and even the weather. It’s vital to know how to read your skin barrier to ensure the healthiest possible skin.
Things that can damage the skin barrier The outermost layer, scientifically known as the stratum Corneum, of your skin is the skin barrier. This group of skin cells that are extra-resilient is called your skin’s “brickwall” because without it you will be exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins.
Even though your skin barrier is strong, it can be damaged. The following can cause damage to your skin barrier:
- Exposure to harsh chemicals or ingredients
- Too much sun exposure
- Other products, such as soaps and detergents that are alkaline
- Over-washing and over-exfoliation
- Steroids
- Allergens, pollutants and allergens
- Extremely humid or dry environments
Some of these factors cannot be avoided, such as living in a very dry environment. It’s therefore important to know what you can do to protect your skin barrier.
How to protect your skin barrier
You can protect and maintain your skin barrier by using simple self-care techniques. You can protect your skin barrier by taking the following simple steps:
- Simplicifying your skincare routine. Skincare products that contain a lot of chemicals or ingredients can harm the barrier. Instead, opt for clean, minimal-ingredient products.
- Use plant oil to moisturize your skin. Maintaining a healthy barrier is all about moisturizing. According to some research, plant oils such as argan oil and rosehip oil can help repair the skin barrier.
- Ceramides are a waxy lipid found in healthy skin barriers. Ceramides, which are waxy lipids that occur naturally in healthy skin barrier, are a type of lipid. These lipids ensure that your skin barrier performs at its best. Artificial ceramides are a great way to improve your skin barrier.
Conclusion
Your skin barrier is the first line of defense against pollutants, allergens, and chemicals that your skin comes into contact with every day. You should therefore try to keep your skin barrier healthy. Healthy skin barrier leads to better protection and healthier skin!
Sources:
How to repair and care for the skin barrier (Healthline.com).
Efficacy and effectiveness of a moisturizer that contains a pseudo-ceramide, eucalyptus oil, and a pseudo-ceramide for Japanese patients suffering from mild atopic skin conditions in summer – PubMed
