‘Your skin barrier’ and ‘stripping the skin’ are not entirely uncommon phrases, with so many beauty magazines and skin care blogs making mention of these concepts. But what does it all mean exactly?
To truly understand the skin, and to be able to properly take care of your own skin, it is important to understand the role of the skin barrier.
The skin’s protective barrier is one of the most important components of a healthy skin, yet it is so often overlooked and misunderstood. In simple terms, the health of the skin is directly linked to the health of the skin barrier, as this protective layer influences the whole natural ecosystem of the skin. Most skin issues can drastically improve once the skin’s barrier is restored and functioning normally.
The health of the skin is affected by various factors including the pH of the skin’s acid mantle, the presence of a healthy skin microbiome, or good bacteria, as well as the amount of natural moisturizing factor and corneocyte cells present within the skin’s uppermost epidermal layer. As this barrier is slightly acidic in nature, think of it as your very own defense layer, protecting your skin against bacteria and external pathogens whilst keeping the skin moisturized.
Failure to maintain the protective barrier of the skin can result in damage, dehydration, dryness, skin sensitization and inflammation, causing the skin to become more reactive with the potential of promoting the formation of acne breakouts. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can also be exacerbated.
A variety of lifestyle habits and external factors contribute towards an impaired skin barrier, to name a few;
1. The use of soap-based products
Soap-based products are largely alkaline in pH and cause a disruption in the natural acidic balance of the skin. This shift in pH can easily strip the skin of natural lipids and moisture, leaving the skin dry and tight. DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care offers a variety of soap-free cleansers and balanced toners, facilitating pH health of the skin and working to gently lift off dirt and debris without stripping the skin of vital moisture. Thorough cleansing furthermore prepares the skin for the application of serums and moisturisers to follow, allowing for superior results across all skin types.
Over exfoliation
While exfoliation is a skincare essential, be cautious to not overdo harsh exfoliation, especially when using stronger abrasives and granular scrubs. This can greatly contribute towards an impaired barrier with resultant redness, irritation, and a more-reactive skin. Milder enzymatic options like DermaFix DermaPolish or DermaFix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal, make use of enzymes to gently remove redundant skin cell build-up without compromising the health of the skin.
DermaPolish + Charcoal
DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal is an enzymatic exfoliator that removes redundant skin cell build-up, offering skin brightening results whilst stimulating cell growth. DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal promotes anti-ageing skin benefits with an improved wound healing response. The inclusion of Activated Charcoal assists to adsorb toxins and impurities, additionally providing deep-cleansing benefits for a congested skin. DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal has been packaged in dry-form to maintain effectiveness and freshness.
2. Weather elements
Over-exposure to UV radiation and seasonal change can lead to trans-epidermal water loss, causing the skin to dry out with an impact on the barrier health of the skin. To alleviate skin dryness, DermaFix Skin ResQ offers boosted hydration with universal use, leaving the skin suitably moisturized without leaving a greasy film. Further protection of your skin against the harmful effects of UV-radiation and exposure to HEV-light is recommended with use of DermaFix DermaShield SPF40/SPF50 high protection sunscreen, a daily essential for all skin types. Reapplication is recommended with prolonged exposure to UV-radiation. For those that have lost track of time and UV exposure has resulted in sunburn, one can make use of DermaFix HydraSooth SOS offering intensive repair, helping to sooth redness and skin sensitivity whilst boosting skin moisture levels.
Skin ResQ
Skin ResQ is the next generation of a weightless nourishing emollient blend with Murumuru Seed Butter and CoQ10. This superior formulation offers anti-oxidant protection keeping the skin moisturised, hydrated and supple for the prevention of stretch mark formation on the body. Formulated for universal use, Skin ResQ rapidly penetrates into the skin for all day protection, without the sensation of a greasy film.
DermaShield SPF40
Our DermaShield SPF40 sunscreen provides true high UVA/UVB protection. This revolutionary product contains transparent Zinc Oxide, which protects skin from the damaging UVA rays proven to be responsible for premature signs of ageing. When used according to application guidelines the DermaShield SPF40 sun protection product provides skin with the protection it needs from the harmful effects of the sun.
HydraSooth SOS
HydraSooth SOS is a powerful anti-inflammatory corrective assisting to reduce skin sensitivity and inflammation. It comprises active ingredients working to boost the levels of hydration within the skin whilst promoting skin recovery and a refined texture.
3. Smoking and environmental pollution
Exposure to pollution brings with it an abundance of free-radical damage. This in turn causes the skin to dry out and disrupts the barrier layer. DermaFix Ferulic + C + E provides boosted anti-oxidant protection and makes the ideal accompaniment for daily protection alongside DermaFix DermaShield SPF40 / SPF50 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB/HEV light protection.
Ferulic + C + E
Ferulic + C + E provides the skin with a concentrated dose of Vitamin C + E, which is a proven science. This formulation targets hyperpigmentation often noted during pregnancy. The addition of Ferulic Acid furthermore boosts anti-oxidant functionality, providing essential protection against free-radical attack that leads to skin ageing. The Ferulic + C + E improves a variety of skin care concerns including; acne, hyperpigmentation, ageing and environmentally damaged skin.
4. Medication and hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations and certain medications such as cortisone can negatively impact the skins natural microbiome, leading to a disruption in oil production and causing the skin to become dryer and more fragile as a result. DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care offers a variety of solutions to help symptomatically target the effects of hormonal change and medication on the skin. A skin analysis performed by a qualified DermaFix Skin Care Professional is always advised.
Should you suspect that you may be struggling with a disrupted skin barrier, or should you wish to obtain more information on the above-mentioned DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care products, please contact us directly on 0861 28 23 23 for further assistance.