The Skin Barrier, it’s the quiet achiever that works behind the scenes to ensure the health and balance of our skin. More often than not, a disrupted barrier is the cause of redness, dryness, itchiness or irritation.

What is the function of the skin barrier and what does it do?

The skins barrier, also known as the stratum corneum is essential for enhancing skin health. As the outermost layer of the skin, it works hard! Some of the main functions include: locking in moisture as well as protection against pollution, infection and UV Rays.

Made from a blend of lipids, ceremides or fats, the skin barrier is home to microorganism that work to nourish the skin. When healthy, it helps skin to stay at a pH of approximately 4.7 as this is the estimate of a healthy skin and means the skins barrier is able to function effectively.

How does our skin barrier become compromised?

Skin can become compromised by many things ranging from the way we treat it to the environmental effects. Free radicals are responsible for breaking down the skins collagen and elastin production as well as damaging the skins natural barrier.

Because of all of the environmental effects on the skin we need to be making sure that we are taking the best care of our skin possible.

Overusing products that are good for our skin can be not so good if we are using the product wrong or too often. For example, exfoliation.

Exfoliation is great to be done 2-3 times a week to help remove the dead skin cells and help with cell turnover, however over exfoliation can lead to dehydration and increased oil production as it is trying to hydrate and protect itself.

Ingredients such as vitamin A (when overused) are known to cause sensitivity and irritation, which is a sign to stop and implement your repairing protocol.

What ingredients harm the skin barrier?

There are still many products on the market that include abrasives, alcohols, harsh exfoliants such as crushed apricot seed, artificial fragrances, sunscreen that contains glycolic acid or just anything that is too far from our skins pH levels.

How do I know if my skin is compromised?

Our skin will always tell us when something is wrong and the skin barrier is compromised. If you are feeling abnormally dry, itchy, red, experiencing sensitivity or are uncomfortable it is a sign. Everyones skin is different and so respond accordingly.

How can you repair and re-balance your barrier?

Hydration is key for repairing the barrier. So, ensure you are drinking plenty of water and use products that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Make sure not to over cleanse and limit your use of acids. Reducing stress, getting adequate sleep and taking a good prebiotic for internal health all help to repair your barrier.

How can you strengthen your skin barrier?

Simple things such as applying a comforting hydrator and using SPF daily will help although digging deeper and looking at ingredients will help you to target the concern specifically. Try including comforting and nourishing ingredients into your skincare routine such as niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, e.g vitamin C.

A few serums from the O Cosmedics range that will act in helping strengthen the barrier would be the O Cosmedics Repair Serum, 3D Hyaluronic Serum and Vitamin C Hemp Seed Oil.

What skincare routine can help repair the skin barrier?

Keeping it simple in the beginning is sometimes the best thing to do. Start off with a gentle cleanser such as the O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser or AHA Milk-Gel Cleanser from Ginger&ME.

This can be used twice a day or if wearing makeup, a double cleanse can be done in the evening. Exfoliation can then be done after the cleanse 2-3 times a week, the Exfoliating Cleanser from O Cosmedics is very gentle and includes enzymes which will help to remove those dead skin cells.

The Ginger&ME Vitamin Infusion Booster or the O Cosmedics Vitamin C Hemp Seed Oil will be a good serum to start on, these can be used twice daily after cleansing both morning and in the evening.

As for a hydrator either the Ginger&ME SOS Relief Cream or the O Cosmedics Comfort Cream would be good, again to be used morning and in the evening. Lastly, it is very important to be wearing a good quality SPF during the day as it will protect your skin from sun damage.

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