How to maintain a healthy skin barrier

Your skin is the body's largest organ, acting as the first line of defence against environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays and bacteria. At the heart of this protection is your skin barrier - understanding what it is and how to protect it is crucial for maintaining long-term skin health.

If your skin barrier is compromised, it may show these damages skin barrier signs: breakouts, redness, inflammation, dryness or flakiness and increased sensitivity. 

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin and is made up of lipids and skin cells that work together to form a protective shield. This barrier helps to retain moisture, prevent dehydration, while blocking harmful substances from penetrating the skin.

When your skin barrier is functioning properly, it is effectively a strong shield - protecting your skin from external pollutants, allergens and bacteria. it helps to prevent the loss of essential nutrients from the skin to contribute to a healthy, supple and glowy complexion. 

Why is the skin barrier important?

A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping your skin smooth, hydrated and protected. It not only locks in moisture, but it also protects against the absorption of harmful toxins and irritants from the environment. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to a variety of skin issues like redness, dryness, irritation, acne and sensitivity. 

What causes a damaged skin barrier?

Some common causes of skin barrier damage include:

• Harsh products, such as products that contain alcohol, strong acids or artificial fragrances.
• Over-exfoliation, while exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells, overdoing it strip away the natural oils from your skin.
• Environmental factors, such as extreme cold, heat or pollution.
• Stress and diet, poor lifestyle choices can impact the skin's ability to repair itself.

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