Amongst all the buzz about skincare, and your favourite Tik-tokers giving you unsolicited advice, one thing’s for sure: they are RIGHT about your barrier. How many times have you heard or read, “your barrier is compromised!” Or “you need to strengthen your barrier before we do a peel”?! So what exactly is this barrier and what is it barricading?
What It Is
Every inch of our skin is made up of several layers, each serving a different function that works in coherence with the others. The layer that we can see is called the Stratum Corneum. This layer acts as a shield; moisture stays in and toxins stay out. So why is it important? Think of this: If it was raining acid, and that acid could burn your skin, would you use an umbrella so that your skin is protected? YES YOU WOULD . If you don’t have the umbrella, you don’t have protection – same goes for your barrier.
Common Causes
On a daily basis, our skin is working on overdrive to protect against threats to its well being – some of those threats are external and some are internal. Have you noticed..
- A sudden change in your skin such as a slight sting when you apply creams?
- Are you more dry, itchy, scaly or more sensitive than usual?
- Does your skin react to almost ANYTHING that graces its presence?
The causes listed below could be “stripping your skin” and effecting your barrier:
- Over exfoliation with chemical exfoliants or harsh grainy scrubs
- Seasonal changes; less humidity in the air
- Heavy Winds
- Too much sun exposure without protection
- Eczema or Psoriasis
- Harsh soaps and detergents
- The wrong skincare for your skin type, or wrong for the season
Our Recommendation ?
Incorporate Hydropeptides Soothing Balm into your nighttime routine. Its occlusiveness allows water to effectively move through the layers of the skin, encouraging a path to where your skin needs it the most! Its blend of olive, avocado and coconut oils provide essential lipids to promote skin healing and anti-inflammation. Zanthalene and Bisabolol reduce itching and irritation, and its botanical complex provides the skin with rich antioxidants to combat any stressors that come your way!
