Unlocking Your Healthy Glow: It Starts with the Skin Barrier

Close up portrait of a smiling blue eyed 40 years old woman

Did you know your skin has an outer protective barrier? It works much the same way plastic wrap safeguards food. When the external layer is torn or compromised, damage can occur due to exposure to harmful bacteria and other elements from the harsh environment.

Your body has a skin barrier that needs care and protection. Learn what this skin barrier is, how to tell when it’s damaged, how to restore and maintain its health, and even slow down the look of aging.

What Is the Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, the first line of defense against sun damage and environmental threats. The one we’re referring to is the stratum corneum, or epidermis. Think of it as your body’s brick wall, and the bricks are cells held together by lipids that contain fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol, all essential in retaining moisture and regulating the amount of water that enters and leaves your body.

Without your epidermis, your skin can’t provide adequate protection from ultraviolet rays, pollution, toxins, dehydration, infections, and sources of skin inflammation and irritation. Overall, your skin barrier plays a crucial role in helping wounds heal, preserving your health, and enabling your body to function correctly.

Factors That Can Lead to Damage to Your Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier works hard to protect you against various health threats, internal and external. Over time, the barrier can incur damage due to such things as

Poor skincare
Allergens and irritants
Alkaline soaps and detergents
Pollution
Exposure to harmful chemicals or substances
Environments that are too dry or humid
Smoking
Over-washing or excessive exfoliation
Too much sun exposure
Mental or psychological stress
Genetic factors that make you more susceptible to conditions like psoriasis
Some medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease
Post chemotherapy
Some medications like Accutane

Signs of Damage to the Skin Barrier

Damage to the skin barrier can be easy to miss if you don’t know the signs. When the barrier is weakened, you’re more susceptible to the following conditions:

Acne
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Itchiness
Dry, scaly skin
Discolored or rough patches
Sensitivity or inflammation
Signs of premature aging (wrinkles, sagging skin)

How to Protect and Restore Your Skin Barrier

Whether your skin barrier is the picture of health or if it’s suffered damage, there are several things you can do to restore and maintain its health:

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer and lead to dark spots and premature wrinkles. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and avoid peak times of sunshine, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat for added protection.

Use Moisturizers

Moisturizing skincare products maintain the skin barrier’s hydration levels. Look for products that contain lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which are effective at drawing water into the skin and enhancing elasticity. The best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is still damp after cleaning or showering. Doing so maximizes its absorption.

Consult with the experts at our local medical aesthetic clinic to learn more about our Circadia skincare line.

Eat Healthy

A nutritious, balanced diet is good for many things, one of which is a robust skin barrier. Whole foods and items rich in healthy fats can be beneficial for your skin. Antioxidants and fish oil help the skin retain its elasticity, as does drinking plenty of water. Try to include the following in your regular diet:

Beans, peas, and lentils
Berries
Nuts
Salmon and other fatty fish
Spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables
Tomatoes
Yellow and orange produce, like carrots and apricots

Don’t Smoke

If you want to see your skin prematurely age, smoking will do it. Smoking can cause wrinkles due to the damage it inflicts on the skin’s blood vessels, which restricts blood flow. Smoking also dries the skin by reducing the oxygen supply and lowering collagen levels, which are essential for maintaining elasticity.

Skin Barrier Treatments in Cincinnati

You likely know that the skin is the body’s largest organ. A crucial step to maintaining its health is to preserve the skin barrier. At Everglow Medical Spa, we’ll work with you to address the signs of skin damage with cutting-edge treatments, such as advanced facials or dermaplaning, which are available here in Cincinnati. Request an appointment today to discover how we can help you repair your skin and restore its natural beauty.