As a skincare professional I have been talking about a healthy skin barrier for many years.
With consumers becoming more savvy #skinbarrier is now a massive TikTok trend with over 302 million views.
So what is all the hype?
Well your skin’s barrier is your first line of defence, it protects the lower layers of the skin from pollution particles and free radical damage. It keeps bacteria out and keeps moisture in keeping the skin hydrated. It is made up of ceramides, which we start to lose as we age, fatty acids and lipids. When it is working as it should our skin is healthy, the skin looks plump, hydrated and smooth and there will be no blemishes, irritation or redness.
What can damage the skin barrier?
Ageing affects the skin’s barrier, as we get older the skin becomes thinner and weaker, it can become more reactive to products or irritants. UV exposure can cause damage to the skin’s barrier, but other environmental factors like pollution, cold winds, icy temperatures or hot sunny days can affect the barrier. Stress has a big impact on the skin and can cause changes to how your skin works, it can cause flare ups as cortisol levels rise. Smoking causes delayed wound healing and increased infection risk, it causes premature ageing and the skin can have a greyish, dull appearance. Lack of sleep will also impact your barrier function, our body repairs whilst we sleep so if we do not get enough or it is broken this will affect how your skin functions. But the one thing we see in clinic frequently is clients using the wrong products for their skin, this can strip the skin of its moisture and disrupt the skin barrier function. High Street products even those that state they are for sensitive skin’s can still contain irritants such as parabens, sulphates, perfumes and fragrances with cause issues with the barrier.
How do I know if my barrier is damaged?
The skin is likely to flare up with redness and itchiness when skincare products are applied. The skin will be highly reactive and sensitive. You may see breakouts, redness or rashes and the skin may feel really tight, dry or be flaky.
How do I keep my skin’s barrier healthy?
Look at the ingredients you are using, if you are not sure seek professional help from an aesthetics professional who has been trained in skin not your sales person on the High Street!
Consistancy is key, perform your morning and evening routine daily and always make sure you cleanse your skin properly so you do not leave dirt, bacteria, pollutants and free radicals on the skin for too long to cause damage. Use a good quality Broadspectrum SPF regularly throughout the day to prevent UV damage, premature ageing and skin cancer to protect your skin, not just in the warmer weather but every day of the year. Don’t suddenly stop using your exfoliating acids or Retinol as it can cause unnecessary issues, when used correctly they help to improve skin barrier function.
As an AlumierMD diamond provider we will go through the correct products for your skin type after a consultation and explain the ingredients, how to use them and help with any issues you may have. The correct products combined with in clinic treatments can help your barrier to repair and remain healthy giving your skin a radiance and glow.
