What is a Skin Barrier?
Skin is the largest organ in the human body which covers around 15% of the body weight. It separates and provides a layer of protection to our delicate insides from the external world.
But when we say skin barrier, it is not the literal meaning as barrier of skin, but is referred to as the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
There are three main layers of the skin - the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each of these layers have numerous sublayers. To understand the concept of skin barrier we will concentrate on the outermost layer- The Epidermis.
The outermost part of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, or the skin’s protective barrier. And this stratum corneum acts as if it is a brick wall that protects the skin from intruders. While the skin barrier can be considered as a mortar that has numerous essential nutrients like cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. They act like skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
Now let us look at the main function of this skin barrier!
Protecting your body from external stressors, like pollution and UV radiation
retaining water to keep your body and skin hydrated
transporting vital nutrients to your skin
And what exactly results in a weak skin barrier? There are so many factors like UV radiation, smoking, and chronic exposure to pollution which can affect the skin barrier. In addition, stress and other improper lifestyles can result in weakening your skin barrier.
If you are aiming for a healthy skin care barrier, follow a skincare routine that protects your skin.
Here are 6 steps that you need to follow for a healthy skin barrier -
Cleansing - Performing a complicated daily skin regimen involving a basketful of products does more harm than help. Keep your skincare routine simple and start with gentle cleansing. Skin’s delicate acid mantle hovers around a pH of 4.7, so while cleansing use a product with pH between 4.0 and 5.0. For natural cleansing, use warm water with besan flour or fullers earth,
Moisturize - Help keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing morning and night with a lightweight face cream. Moisturizer helps restore, strengthen, and protect the skin barrier, helping it lock the hydration inside.
Face oils can also be a beneficial part of your healthy skin barrier routine. Plant oils may help repair the skin barrier and also prevent your skin barrier from losing moisture. Oils like Jojoba, coconut, rosehip etc. are good choices.
Be gentle to your skin. Avoid hot showers, harsh shave creams etc.
Diets rich in fish oil, antioxidants, or fish oil supplements can help with skin elasticity and keep it looking younger. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Manage stress by yoga and meditation.
