Have you ever wondered what the first step to healthy and glowing skin is? It’s a healthy skin barrier! So what exactly is a skin barrier and what does it do? Let’s take a look.
What is the Skin Barrier and why is it Important?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. It is made up of lipids and skin cells. This barrier is what comes into contact with the environment around you. The skin barrier is the first line of defence against harmful external factors such as, UV radiation, injury, and infection.
Here are some factors that may affect the functionality of the skin barrier:
Aging
As we age cell turnover decreases. This means that the cells in our body and skin are not reproducing as quickly as they used to, making them less effective when it comes to defending our skin from harsh external factors.
Cold and Dry Winters
As the weather becomes colder it is very common for our skin to feel drier. This is because the moisture from our skin is being drawn out. If we do not properly replace this lost moisture, our skin barrier is more prone to cracking. This means that irritants and pollutants are more likely to be let in, leaving us with unhealthy skin.
Over Exfoliation
While we do encourage exfoliation, overdoing it can actually be more harmful than you think. Exfoliation is a great way to increase cell turnover when it is done in moderation and paired with a good skin care routine. over exfoliation can break down the bond between skin cells, leaving the barrier in a compromised state and making it more susceptible to irritants and dehydration.
You may be wondering how to tell if your barrier is compromised. Here are a few common signs that your barrier may need a little love:
- Dryness, flakiness, or rough patches
- Redness or inflammation
- Increased sensitivity
- Excessive breakouts or slow healing time
So how exactly do we fix this issue?
By using quality, clinical products that are hydrating and soothing. Applying SPF daily, and avoiding harsh exfoliants / over use of exfoliants, is a great way to start the healing process. A proper skincare and facial routine can also play a huge part in ensuring that your skin barrier is happy and healthy. Here at Spectrum we have a variety of high quality products and facials to help you with your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a product to help PREVENT a compromised barrier we recommend applying an SPF daily to protect the skin from UV rays and premature aging, yes despite the weather. One of our favourite sunscreens is Hydropeptide’s Solar Dew. This silky, completely sheer mineral serum has a unique peptide called CellRenew-16 that will boost skin’s natural supply of key antioxidants and environmental defenders.
If you’re looking for a product to help CORRECT a compromised barrier we recommend Hydropeptide’s Barrier Builder. This rich formula penetrates deep into the epidermis, delivering a potent blend of clinically proven ingredients that repair, hydrate, and fortify the skin, leading to a healthy barrier. we suggest using this in lieu of a night time moisturizer 1-3 times a week.
If you’re in need of more guidance we offer free skincare consultations and can help point you in the right direction.
