How To Strengthen Your Skin's Moisture Barrier!
What is the skin barrier?
Your skin barrier, aka - the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a primary shield between your body and the environment.
The stratum is multi-layered. It actively sheds dead skin cells and protects the inner layers of your skin.
It consists of corneocytes, tough, horn-like skin cells made of keratin and naturally moisturizing agents, which are held together by lipids, formed of fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides.
This barrier is in charge of locking in moisture and hydrating your skin. It also protects your body from environmental stressors and pathogens.
What causes skin barrier damage?
- Intense exfoliation and cleansing
- Sun exposure
- Pollutants
- Harsh soaps
- Irritating ingredients
How can you tell it's damaged?
Any of the following signs are indicative of barrier damage:
- Dryness
- Flaky skin
- Inflammation
- Sensitivity
- Dull and rough skin texture
How to repair your skin barrier?
Ditch harmful cleansers!
Pro tip - don't chase the squeaky clean feeling you might get after washing your face. Why, you ask? You'd be throwing your PH levels off balance and stripping your acid mantle. The acidity in your skin barrier prevents bacteria growth, fungi and viruses that could cause infections and skin damage.
Instead, opt for a plant-powered formula that contains natural antioxidants and gently cleanses your skin without stripping off its moisture barrier.
Apply Green tea seed oil to quench your skin.
Green Tea Seed oil, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, is a superstar beauty ingredient. It acts as a daily moisture barrier and is rich in potent polyphenols – phytochemicals that boost your skin's antioxidant qualities, neutralize free radicals, and prevent oxidative damage. It also keeps your skin hydrated by increasing water retention and cutting down on transepidermal water loss.
Use moisturizers that contain Ceramides.
Ceramides are fatty acids present in high concentrations in your skin barrier. They lock moisture in and prevent skin dryness. Although your skin already has ceramides, they tend to lessen over time, which can result in dry and dull-looking skin. These effects can be minimized by incorporating ceramide-rich formulas into your skincare routine. It keeps your skin hydrated, plump and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It may also protect your epidermis from oxidative stress.
Incorporate Hyaluronic acid in your skincare regime.
Hyaluronic acid is a holy grail ingredient that acts as a humectant and binds water on your skin's surface to keep it hydrated.
Have you come across the term transepidermal water loss? It's the amount of water evaporated from your skin. When an ingredient or formula prevents transepidermal water loss, it keeps your skin plump and hydrated by slowing the rate of water evaporation, ensuring it doesn't easily get away from the surface of your skin. This is precisely what Hyaluronic acid does, thereby keeping your skin moisturized, improving its texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles (as they are less prominent on hydrated skin).
Your skin's moisture barrier is your body's lead defence against the outside world. It fights against the constant onslaught of dangerous environmental hazards, all while balancing your skin's water and moisture content. Follow the path we've neatly laid down for you and look after your skin's moisture barrier the best you can!