What is your skin barrier?
Your skin is made up of many layers, each of which have different functions. Your skin's barrier protects your from environmental stressors such as pollution, dirt, dust, UV rays and more. It also helps to maintain homeostasis and holds the moisture inside your body so you aren't dehydrated.
How does it become damaged?
When your skin's barrier becomes damaged, it becomes less effective in retaining important substances such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. This results in your skin becoming more dehydrated and vulnerable to external environmental factors. This can also lead to your skin ageing faster as well as slows down the healing process post-breakout.
Below are a list of factors which can contribute to your skin being damaged:
- an environment that’s either too humid or too dry
- allergens, irritants, and pollutants
- too much sun exposure
- alkaline detergents and soaps
- exposure to harsh chemicals
- over-exfoliation
- psychological distress
- stress
- lack of sleep
- genetic factors that may make you more prone to certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
Signs of a damaged skin barrier?
- dry, scaly skin
- itchiness
- rough or discolored patches
- acne
- sensitive or inflamed areas
- bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
How do you repair your skin's barrier?
- cleansing with a product that’s close to your skin’s natural pH
- try using plant oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, borage oil and rosehip oil
- look for products containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid
- reduce your exfoliation frequency
- reduce the amount of times you cleanse your face in a day
- simplify your skincare routine
- try out brands like AXIS-Y and CeraVe
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