What is the Skin Barrier?

In honor of National Skin Barrier Day on Thursday, March 12, we're diving deep into this mysterious term. What is the skin barrier? What does it do, and what do people mean when they say they damaged it? How can you repair your skin barrier? We'll tackle all these questions and more below!

What is the skin barrier?

You may know that your skin is made up of layers. According to Heathline, "The outermost layer is called the stratum corneum. Some people describe this as a 'brick wall.' It consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes that are bound together by mortar-like lipids. This is your skin barrier." Inside these cells, you'll find keratin and natural moisturizers, while the lipid layer contains cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. This wall prevents environmental toxins and pathogens from entering the body and causing harmful effects. It also transports nutrients to your skin. In addition, without your skin barrier, the water inside your body would evaporate! So...your skin barrier is definitely important to your body's overall health and function.

What does the skin barrier do?

Besides protecting your skin from pollution, UV radiation, and other irritants, transporting vital nutrients to the skin, and maintaining your hydration levels, the skin barrier is the prime determinant of how healthy and even your skin looks. A strong skin barrier retains water efficiently, and the skin looks hydrated, smooth, and elastic. Your skin will be able to fight off various environmental stressors and be less prone to sensitivity and irritation.

If your skin barrier isn't working as it should, you skin will be prone to damage. You will likely experience dehydrated skin, resulting in a dry, dull appearance. Your skin will also not be able to fight off free radical damage, which can cause premature wrinkles, discoloration, and laxity.

How does the skin barrier become damaged?

Most skin barrier damage comes from external influences, although genetic makeup and lifestyle can have an effect, too. Things like too humid or too dry an environment, too much sun exposure, exposure to harsh chemicals and detergents, steroids, psychological distress, and skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can weaken the skin barrier. However, UV radiation, smoking, and chronic exposure to pollution are the top three nasties that will damage the skin barrier. Avoiding internal and external stressors as best you can will help keep your skin barrier healthy.

How can you tell if your skin barrier is damaged?

If your skin barrier is damaged, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Dry, scaly skin

• Itchiness

• Rough or discolored patches

• Acne

• Sensitive or inflamed areas

• Bacteria, viral, or fungal skin infections

• Tight-feeling skin or burning

You know your skin best. If you've started noticing some differences in your skin and think your skin barrier may be damaged, the first place to start is to consider what you may have changed. Have you been emotionally or mentally stressed? Have you introduced any new products? Have you been out in the elements (wind, rain, cold, heat)? Did you accidentally over-exfoliate your skin? Being able to pinpoint the cause can help you correct, and be sure to talk to your dermatologist for advice.

What can I do to correct a damaged skin barrier?

You'll want to focus on replenishing moisture and essential lipids, and may need to simplify your skin care routine for a while. Reach for soothing, hydrating products. There are a few products you can use to help repair it:

• Plant oils: Research suggests that plant oils may help repair the skin barrier and also prevent the skin barrier from losing moisture. They also have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Look for jojoba, coconut, almond, argan, borage, sunflower, or soybean oil in creams or moisturizers, or apply the oil directly to your skin and massage it on your face until it's absorbed.

• Ceramides: Look for moisturizers, lotions, or serums that advertise ceramides. Ceramides are waxy lipids found in high concentrations in the skin barrier, so products containing pseudo-ceramides can help with itchiness, dryness, and scaliness.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is very beneficial in helping the skin retain moisture. Read all about the benefits of hyaluronic acid here.

• Petrolatum and Glycerin: Occlusive moisturizers (like petrolatum) help the skin retain water because they leave a thin film on the skin that prevents moisture loss. Petrolatum and glycerin (a humectant, which pulls water into the skin to hydrate it) are a powerful combination for rapid repair of the skin. Use them separately or look for products that contain both for maximum moisturizing potential.

• Try a Facial: Hydrating facials can help repair your skin barrier, too! Salon Patrice customizes facials to your skin's unique needs, and can gently and intensely treat your skin barrier to help aid healing. Find a full list of our facials here.

Salon Patrice is a full-service salon located in Peru, IL, offering hair, nail, facial, waxing, and makeup services.