Can You Repair Your Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier is your line of defence against the many environmental nasties that could wreak havoc on the delicate balance of elements that make up your skin. From temperature, to UV damage, to pollution, there are a plethora of things your skin barrier fights against on a daily basis, so you should probably give it a helping hand.
What is the skin barrier?
There are three layers to your skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, and within that is the stratum corneum - which is the skin barrier.
The barrier itself is made up of extra tough cells called corneocytes that contain things like keratin, fatty acids, and ceramides. You wouldn’t last long without this barrier, as it protects you from environmental toxins that could get into your body via the skin and cause serious damage. It’s also responsible for keeping water inside your body, staving off complete dehydration.
How is your skin barrier damaged?
As we mentioned, there are a lot of environmental factors that negatively impact your skin. Some of these include:
- Pollution
- Sun exposure
- Allergens
- Harsh chemicals
- Skin conditions like psoriasis.
You’ll notice when your skin barrier is damaged because you’ll likely have dry, itchy skin, discolouration, acne, and/or sensitivity. You might be using a whole trove of products to combat these things, but they might be causing more harm than good. The key is to adopt a routine that works with your skin, rather than against it.
Protecting your skin barrier
You might think you need a million different lotions and potions to keep your skin barrier at its best, but scaling back your skincare to just the high quality products could be the best option.
One of the most important parts of a skincare routine is choosing products that work in harmony with your skin. Male skin differs considerably from female skin, so it’s important to choose products designed specifically for men.
Opt for a simplified routine: a face wash, face scrub, and moisturiser should be your holy trinity. Opt for natural ingredients where possible, and choose something that works for your specific skin concern to maximise its effectiveness. We recommend our Original Range for skin-loving ingredients that leave you feeling hydrated and nourished.
Don’t over exfoliate: It’s a good idea to exfoliate once or twice a week depending on your skin type, but don’t be tempted to do it every day as this can damage your skin barrier and strip away necessary natural oils. This will lead to dull, dehydrated skin in the long run.
Hydration is key: Keeping yourself hydrated is a great way to replenish and strengthen your skin barrier. Drinking lots of water and regularly moisturising will ensure you’re remaining hydrated both inside and out.
Use products with SPF: Regardless of whether you’re in direct sunlight, it’s a good idea to keep a moisturiser with SPF handy to limit sun damage from UV rays. Choose one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays - find out more about SPF and how to understand product labels here.
