What is Skin Barrier Repair and Why Does it Matter?

When we talk about the skin barrier, we’re referring to the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) that’s our showcase to the world. As the name suggests, it protects the deeper structures below, acting as a defensive barrier against external challenges. 

However, just because this is what it’s designed to do, it doesn’t mean that it can’t get damaged. Tell-tale signs that it might not be in the best of health include problems like:

• Dull, dry, flaky skin.
• Itching and irritation.
• Redness, blotches, uneven complexion, or skin that feels overly warm to touch.

Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone, because skin barrier damage is something that most of us have experienced. But thankfully, there are plenty of ways it can be restored and, with the right daily routine and a few lifestyle tweaks, kept in tip-top condition.

Understanding the Skin Barrier: repair, restoration, and ongoing skin health

It can’t be overstated how important your skin barrier is. It prevents nasties, such as UV rays, pollutants, free radicals, and more reaching the more sensitive structures deeper within the skin. Underneath this protective outer layer, the skin is busy carrying out vital functions, including:

• Supplying oxygen and nutrition via the bloodstream.
• Removing waste products.
• Delivering water and sebum to the upper layers.
• Developing new hairs at the base of the hair shaft.
• Creating essential connective tissues to repair skin damage.
• Plays a crucial role in collagen and elastin levels.

These are all vital to whole body health, as well as the skin. Therefore, the better the condition of the skin barrier, the more efficiently the hardworking sub-layer can perform.

Signs that your skin barrier needs repair

The most obvious signs that your skin barrier needs some TLC are:

• Excessively dryness.
• Increased sensitivity.
• Skin fragility.
• Rough patches.
• Tender to touch.
• Stinging when applying products.
• Scaly or flakiness.
• Outbreaks or acne flare-ups.

Tips to restoring the skin barrier

Both at-home and professional treatments can help return the skin barrier to great health—and, in doing so, improve how the skin looks. These include skin care treatments and lifestyle changes—never forget that the quality of the outer layers of skin is directly influenced at a cellular level.

This means that we can address skin barrier restoration in two ways—internally and externally. This means that some of the greatest changes to make are to:

• Stop (or don’t start) smoking or vaping.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Wear high-factor sun protection (yes—even in the winter).
• Get enough sleep.

When it comes to skin care treatments, these should be both gentle and targeted. Harsh products often play a major role in damaging the skin barrier, as can being too rough with your skin, failing to cleanse daily, using too hot water to wash, picking at spots, or spending too much time in the sun.

Restoring the skin barrier begins with lipid replenishment—minor damage can be reversed with carefully targeted at-home treatments. These should include gentle cleansers, lipid-rich, ceramide-containing products, and, very importantly, not over-treating the skin. Too much skin care can be as damaging as neglect, something to be aware of if you’re considering yet another exfoliation to try and brighten up dull skin.

Skin barrier restoration is best achieved through a combination of at-home and professional care. A skin care doctor will assess the level of damage and suggest the right treatment/s to target your needs. They will also suggest an appropriate at-home skin care regime that will continually nourish the skin, plus give you important tips to ensure that you’re not doing anything detrimental that will stress or cause damage to this vital layer.

Get the Ultimate Dermatology Skin Health at Bayou City Dermatology

Our dermatologist-led, highly skilled team believes that everyone deserves to love their skin—and we work with you to achieve the very best results. Whether you suffer from skin sensitivity, a dull complexion, breakouts, uneven skin tone, acne, dermatitis, or any other issue—or you simply want to ensure that your skin is in the best possible health—we’re here to help.

Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services to discover more about our treatments and call today to book an advanced skin care consultation.