What is the Skin Barrier and How do I Protect It?

Our skin is our largest organ, responsible for creating a barrier between our bodies and the outside world. It’s made up of several layers that work together to protect our body from bacteria, viruses, and environmental irritants like UV rays and pollution. The skin barrier, which is the first line of defense for our body’s largest organ, is essential for maintaining healthy skin function.

What is the Skin Barrier?

The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

Hypodermis: The deepest layer containing fat cells and connective tissue, providing padding and insulation to your inner organs.
Dermis: The middle layer containing blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, and receptor nerves, made of collagen and elastin fibers for strength and flexibility.
Epidermis: The outermost layer preventing water loss and providing a physical barrier against infection. The topmost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is usually referred to as the “skin barrier.”

The stratum corneum is where dead skin cells are shed and replaced with new ones. This layer is made up of tightly packed keratinocytes, which contain keratin proteins that give your skin strength and flexibility. When not properly cared for, these cells can trap bacteria and other substances, leading to acne, breakouts, or other types of skin irritation.

What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier consists of a fine layer of lipids (fats) and proteins that work together to keep moisture in and irritants out. A healthy skin barrier requires a balance of fats, hydration, and moisture. However, it can be easily damaged by environmental factors and skincare routines.

Everyone’s skin is unique, and products that work well for one person may be overwhelming or irritating for another. Overuse of active ingredients can damage your skin barrier. Sometimes, your skin may need a break between applying intense active ingredients.

Harsh facial cleansers can also damage the skin barrier. Soapy cleansers often wash away both “good” and “bad” oils, stripping the skin of its healthy natural oils and leaving a weakened barrier. Over-exfoliation can cause damage as well; it’s best to avoid using exfoliating products more than a few times a week.

Stress increases cortisol production, leading to inflammation and exacerbating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Environmental factors like extreme weather, pollution, and UV damage can also affect the skin barrier by causing moisture loss, photoaging, and irritation.

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The Great Cleanse – Nourishing Supercritical Cleansing Oil

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The Super Couple – Ultra Luxe Face Oil Serum

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The Optimist – hydrating brightening essence

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The Super Blend – Pressed Serum Multi-Correctional Moisture Concentrate

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier

A damaged skin barrier has difficulty protecting itself from irritation and infection. Common signs include dryness, irritation, inflammation, tightness, flakiness, itching, and increased sensitivity. You might notice a burning or stinging sensation when applying even gentle moisturizers due to a lack of hydration.

A weakened skin barrier can exacerbate conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and lead to unbalanced skin pH, contributing to flare-ups. If your skin feels dull and worn out, it may be time to take steps to heal your skin barrier.

How to Heal and Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier

Healing your skin barrier starts with simplifying your skincare routine based on your skin’s needs. A healthy skin barrier will appear smooth, plump, hydrated, and radiant. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy barrier:

Use a Gentle Cleanser: Avoid stripping your skin of natural oils while removing impurities. The Great Cleanse – Nourishing Supercritical Cleansing Oil is a gentle oil-based cleanser effective for most skin types. It removes stubborn makeup and impurities without stripping healthy oils and is packed with omega fatty acids for a plump, radiant complexion.
Switch to Gentle, Multi-Functional Products: If active ingredients are causing stress to your skin, consider The Super Couple – Ultra Luxe Face Oil Serum. This product combines the power of a serum, face oil, and moisturizer. It includes Astaxanthin and Supercritical Chia Oil, which promote brighter, more even skin while providing nourishment and hydration.
Boost Hydration: For an extra hydration boost, apply The Optimist – Hydrating Brightening Essence after cleansing and before applying oils. This ultra-lightweight facial spray is packed with hydrators and antioxidants to promote healthy, balanced, and radiant skin.
Lock in Moisture: Use The Super Blend – Pressed Serum Multi-Correctional Moisture Concentrate to lock in hydration and improve the skin barrier. It contains nutrient-dense ingredients like Astaxanthin, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C Ester, and Sweet Lupine Seed Extract to improve firmness, elasticity, and protect the epidermal barrier. Apply it as the last step in your evening routine to trap hydrating serums and moisture, working to heal your skin overnight.
Practice Mindfulness: Stress-reducing activities, regular movement, a balanced diet, hydration, and fresh air (with SPF) can help reduce cortisol levels and ensure your skin gets the nutrients and hydration it needs.