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When we talk about happy and healthy-looking skin, you’ll often hear the term ‘skin barrier’. But the real key to maintaining healthy-looking skin is understanding what the skin barrier is, and what it needs from your skincare regime in order to function most effectively.
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WHAT IS THE SKIN BARRIER?
The skin barrier is the very top layer of your skin, also known as the epidermis. Its core function is to keep essential moisture locked in while keeping environmental irritants out. The skin barrier is formed from skin cells and lipids. The skin cells are tightly packed together (much like bricks in a wall), while the lipids act as the mortar that holds the wall together.
This forms a shield that blocks environmental stressors from penetrating the skin and causing damage, while simultaneously preventing moisture from escaping. However, when the skin barrier is damaged, multiple issues can occur.
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WHAT CAUSES THE SKIN BARRIER TO BECOME DAMAGED?
A number of factors can cause the skin barrier to become damaged. These include:
- Over-exfoliation of the skin surface
- Overuse of actives (such as acids and vitamin A)
- Environmental stressors (e.g. air pollution, free radicals, cold weather, & air conditioning)
- Lack of moisture within the skin
When the skin barrier becomes compromised, essential moisture is able to escape. This is known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). At the same time, environmental stressors can enter the skin. This can increase the skin’s sensitivity, while leaving it susceptible to dehydration and the depletion of dermal tissue (which results in deeper-set wrinkles and loss of skin volume).
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR SKIN BARRIER IS DAMAGED?
When the skin barrier is damaged, skin can feel dry, sensitive, itchy or rough in texture. Visually, the skin often looks red, inflamed or flaky.
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HOW CAN I KEEP MY SKIN BARRIER STRONG AND RESILIENT?
The good news is, a damaged skin barrier can be restored. To strengthen and maintain an optimal skin barrier, ensure the following is provided by your daily skincare regime:
Deep & Lasting Moisturisation
To boost moisture within the barrier itself while reducing the irritating effects of moisture loss.
Targeted Skin Barrier Support
Use a formula rich in ceramides to help replenish the essential lipids that hold the skin barrier together.
Microbiome Support
A balanced skin microbiome (the skin’s natural ecosystem) also helps to maintain an optimal skin barrier.
Fragrance-Free & Dermatologically-Tested Formulas
Consider formulas that won’t disrupt your skin’s natural ecosystem.
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THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
NEW Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream delivers all of the above in one, multi-action daily moisturiser. The peptide-powered formula is expertly designed to support every aspect of your skin, providing clinically proven skin barrier support plus increased moisture in all of its layers. The result? A 30% boost in skin barrier function and improved, healthy-looking skin - in just 1 hour.*
For skin that is suffering from a damaged skin barrier, try our barrier-boosting regime:
Micellar Mousse: Gently removes impurities that can compromise the skin barrier.
Clarity Peptides: Contains niacinamide to help soothe irritated skin .
Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream: Delivers clinical improvement in skin barrier function.
