WHAT IS THE SKIN BARRIER?
The skin barrier, (epidermal barrier) is the outside layer of your skin—the first line of defense that protects your skin from environmental aggressors.
- maintain your skin’s moisture balance
- prevent invasion of bacteria and microbes
- reduce effects of UV light (minimize wrinkle)
- reduce effects of oxidative stress (antioxidant barrier)
HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER
DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER
IS IT DAMAGED?
IS YOUR SKIN EXPERIENCING...
If you answered YES to at least 2 concerns, your skin barrier might be damaged.
CAUSES OF DAMAGE
There are two factors that contribute to the damage of your skin barrier:
1. EXOGENOUS FACTORS
- climate
- harsh skincare actives
- exposure to irritants (bacteria, pollution, etc.)
- over exfoliation
- over cleansing (strips off skin’s natural oils)
- excessive UV exposure
2. ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
- age (skin thins out)
- genetics
- underlying skin conditions
THE DO'S AND DONT'S
OF CARING FOR YOU SKIN BARRIER
✅ REMEMBER YOUR BASICS: Listen to your skin and give it only what it needs!
✅ STAY SUN-PROTECTED.
✅ KEEP A BALANCED PH.
✅ MOISTURIZE RELIGIOUSLY: Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, and other lipophilic agents to restore moisture.
DONT'S
❌ AVOID HARSH CLEANSERS
❌ CUT BACK ON PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION
❌ DON’T USE TOO MANY PRODUCTS AT ONCE
SOURCES
Rosso, J. D., Zeichner, J., Alexis, A., Cohen, D., & Berson, D. (2016). Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner: Proceedings of an Expert Panel Roundtable Meeting. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 9(4 Suppl 1), S2–S8.
