The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Skin Barrier
As creators of Specialist Skincare, nurturing the skin barrier has always been a top priority. In recent years, the emphasis on the skin barrier has increased significantly. To simplify, here is a guide explaining its importance.
Imagine your skin's barrier as a shield. Just as a strong immune system signifies wellness, a perfectly balanced skin barrier reflects radiant healthy skin.
Although our skin barrier is a fragile structure, it performs one of the most important functions, protecting you from external threats such as chemicals, microbes and allergens.
So how can you tell if your skin barrier has become damaged? A classic sign is having skin that feels parched and delicate, struggling to retain hydration no matter how hard you try. Your skin may feel tingly or there may be redness and swelling. Spots may appear or worsen with more inflammation apparent.
Can you protect your skin barrier from damage? Absolutely, by establishing a skincare routine that caters to your specific needs, you can greatly strengthen the resilience of your skin barrier.
Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances can occur which threaten or damage it. There are lots of reasons a skin barrier can become damaged, including too much sun, harsh climates, psychological trauma, environmental toxins, some medications such as steroids, over washing or over exfoliating or using too many actives.
To repair a damaged skin barrier we recommend the following;
- Use lukewarm water when washing
- Use a mild cleanser that does not strip the skin or alter its Ph level
- Avoid abrasive exfoliants and instead opt for gentler options
- Avoid facial treatment that may over stimulate the skin until it is healed
- Use fragrance free skincare
- Don't over-do active ingredients or combine too many.
- Protect your skin from UV every day
Healing your skin barrier, whether in weeks or months, is a journey we understand. Let us guide you compassionately towards healthier skin.