11/3/2021
I'm the type of person that likes to know the why behind everything, especially when investing time and money into something. I talk about skin barrier, barrier repair, and inflammation all the time in the treatment room, but I recently realized I rarely take the time to explain what they mean and why they are so important. So, if you're anything like me and want to know the why, keep reading.
Addressing your skin concerns and ensuring that your skin health is in tip-top shape means that we need to manage your barrier function. Let's break down what barrier function is, the symptoms of barrier disruptions, internal and external contributors, and how to achieve and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
The Barrier, Explained
As the first line of defense for our body, the skin barrier can be considered part of our immune system (which shows us just how important it is!). The skin barrier makes up the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum). Think of it as the gatekeeper to the skin, resembling a brick and mortar wall - with skin cells as the resilient "bricks" and oils as the mortar that holds them together. Your skin barrier also contains other components that work synergistically to block and protect against daily assaults, such as pollutants, viruses, bacteria, and other irritants. Our skin barrier is responsible for normal function
and ALL the mechanisms of our skin. If the skin barrier is compromised, your skin cannot function properly, and it will react and let you know.
What is your skin trying to tell you?
Symptoms of an unhappy barrier
Internal and External Contributors
Once your skin signals how it's feeling throughmation, identifying and eliminating signs of inflam any possible causes is so important. These are both internal and external contributors.
Common external factors that trigger this inflammation are:
- Harsh soaps and detergents (like SLS)
- Fragrance and some essential oils
- Overuse of active ingredients and/or combining ingredients incorrectly
- UV overexposure
- Blue Light (HEV)- from screens on our devices
- Bacteria
- Seasonal changes
- Centralized heating and air conditioning
- Cold and low humidity weather conditions
- Exposure to harsh wind
- Exposure to hot water
- Certain chemicals, such as chlorine in swimming pools or over-exposure to pollutants
- External allergens
- Excessive sweating or overexertion that strains the body
- Gas and particle pollutants within the atmosphere (free radicals)
- And one of the most common, over-cleansing and over-exfoliation.
Internal Factors that can cause inflammation are:
- Medication
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Overconsumption of diuretics, such as caffeine, alcohol, or diuretic medications
- Internal dehydration
- Internal inflammation
- Internal allergens
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Genetic predisposition (low on Fitzpatrick scale- fair skin)
- Stress
- And some diseases or conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and hypothyroidism.
The most common causes of barrier dysfunction are modern diets, stress, lifestyle factors, increased pollution, climate, and increased access to active skincare formulas. Many are factors are in our control. However, some may not be, like medications and health issues. As always, I want you to be aware of what can cause the problems at hand, so you can choose to improve your skin's health.
Identify and Eliminate
Once you identify and eliminate exposure to possible causes of barrier disruption, you can increase the effectiveness of the products you apply: the healthier the barrier, the better that active ingredients are absorbed and delivered. If the barrier is imbalanced or deficient, it can't perform this task effectively.
Replenish and Repair
Choosing products that mimic the components of the skin barrier is the first step.
Here are my picks that I use and recommend for a healthy barrier:
- Renewal Lotion: Any of Epionce Renewal products are the best place to start for barrier repair. They hydrate, strengthen, and repair the barrier. Reduce inflammation and redness and help reduce visible signs of aging by stimulating collagen synthesis. Renewals increase hydration from the inside out.
- Intense Defense Serum: Your multivitamin for the skin with 23 vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E) Provides daily anti-aging and repair benefits. This serum would take the place of a vitamin C serum, growth factor serum, peptides, and hyaluronic acid because it has it all! It has been clinically proven to outperform the leading competitor's Vitamin C and Growth Factor Serum for fine lines and wrinkles.
- Intensive Nourishing Cream: Ultra hydration and great for photo-aged (sun damage) skin. It helps reduce symptoms of rosacea and is a must for the neck and chest.
- Daily Shield tinted SPF 50: A physical or mineral SPF is typically the best choice for an impaired barrier. It doesn't alter the skin's natural processes to provide UV protection or create heat within the skin like a chemical sunscreen.
Some things you can do internally to help support a healthy barrier are:
- Drink 8-10 cups of water daily (or half of one's body weight in ounces)
- Omegas 3 and 6
- Increase electrolyte and potassium levels
- Multi-vitamins
- And collagen supplements which can support skin hydration retention
Just remember, the healthier your skin barrier is, the easier it is to create changes and to correct your concerns. Listen to your skin. It is remarkable and is constantly communicating with us. Identify and try to eliminate any of the possible irritants that disrupt your skin barrier and invest in professional products that replenish and repair the skin.
Now that you understand that barrier function is a huge part in how your skin responds to treatments and products, you can make more informed decisions about how you care for your skin, and I hope it will help you make good choices with your skincare routine when I am not there with you.
Do you need some help and guidance choosing products that help support healthy barrier function? Let's schedule you a consultation!
