What Is the Skin Barrier?
In our previous blog, we discussed the importance of supporting your skin barrier. But what exactly is the skin barrier, and how can we nurture it?
Our skin is the largest organ in the body, and the skin barrier consists of tightly bound cells held together by fats, including ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. Together, these components provide natural moisturizing factors that help protect and hydrate the skin.
The Role of the Microbiome
A crucial aspect of the skin barrier is the microbiome, a delicate ecosystem of bacteria that plays a vital role in skin health and protection. As we hear more about repairing the skin barrier and supporting the microbiome, you might wonder how to achieve this without needing an extensive list of products.
The Importance of a Gentle Cleanser
One of the most important steps in your skincare routine is selecting the right cleanser. This choice sets the tone for how effectively your other products will penetrate the skin and how the skin will respond to internal and external factors.
High-foaming cleansers, once considered the go-to for oily and acne-prone skin, are actually among the most detrimental products for the skin barrier—not just for oily skin, but for all skin types. They strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance, leaving it feeling tight, dry, and irritated.
Regardless of your skin type, a gentle cleanser is essential. Gel cleansers work well for oily skin, while milk or balm cleansers are suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Oil cleansers can effectively remove makeup, pollution, sunscreen, and excess oil without stripping the skin.
Avoiding Aggressive Treatments
Using aggressive masks and treatments, harsh active ingredients, or over-exfoliating—whether physically or chemically—can compromise the barrier and disrupt the microbiome. Recognizing the signs of a compromised barrier is crucial for taking the right steps to repair it.
Signs of a Compromised Barrier
Common indicators include redness, breakouts, rough or scaly skin, flakiness, sensitivity, irritation, and a tight feeling. When the barrier is impaired, adopting a "less is more" approach is best. Simplifying your skincare routine can prevent overwhelming the skin.
Once the barrier is damaged, its ability to absorb active ingredients diminishes, leading to an inflammatory response.
Choosing the Right Products
Choose a gentle cleanser with minimal lather to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Look for serums containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, as these ingredients help hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. During this time, it’s best to avoid products with high concentrations of AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids, especially if your skin is particularly reactive.
When selecting a moisturizer, opt for one that includes ceramides to support and repair the barrier. Additionally, using LED light therapy on the red setting can enhance collagen and elastin production, increase circulation, and provide oxygen and nutrients to the skin, aiding in the healing process.
The Importance of Exfoliation
Exfoliation remains important, as it promotes cell turnover and removes dead skin cells. However, when the barrier is compromised, it may not function optimally. Consider gentle physical exfoliation once a week, or use a cleanser or toner with a low dose of glycolic acid or a similar ingredient to assist the skin in shedding dead cells.
The Benefits of Probiotics
Lastly, don’t overlook probiotics! While we often think of them as something we consume, topical probiotic serums can also benefit the skin. These products can help nourish the microbiome and balance the skin's pH, creating a healing environment.
Considering Internal Factors
Once you’ve addressed external factors, if you’re still not seeing the desired results, consider what might be happening internally. Inflammatory foods—such as processed sugars, trans fats, gluten, dairy, and acidic foods—can compromise gut health and lead to inflammation in the body, particularly in the skin.
This might be the missing link in your skincare routine. Reducing or eliminating these foods, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and drinking enough water can help eliminate toxins from your body. Additionally, consider adding supplements like probiotics for gut health and collagen for skin health to nourish yourself from within, ultimately reflecting on your skin!