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You've probably heard of the skin barrier, but do you know what it is, how it works, why it's important, and most importantly, how to take care of it?
If your answer is no, don't worry, you are not alone. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granit spoke to get expert advice on getting a strong and healthy body.
What is the skin barrier?
First, let's go back to the basics. “The skin barrier is the outermost layer, also known as the stratum corneum . It consists of skin cells bound together with lipids. Think of cells as bricks and lipids as solutions,” Dr. Granite. "As a result, it acts as a protective shield, protecting against environmental aggressors, allergens and microbes, while preventing skin and body water loss." In other words, it is worth protecting.
What affects the health of my skin barrier?
“The skin barrier is particularly sensitive to cooler, drier temperatures (resulting in easier moisture loss from the skin's surface, known as transepidermal water loss). Indoor heating and UV exposure in the winter—especially in the summer—can also damage the skin barrier, so it's important to use a high SPF sunscreen year-round,” Dr. Granite says.
It should be noted that hormones can also play a role. "Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, as well as cortisol (the stress hormone), can affect this, and when they're out of balance, disorders can occur," the doctor adds. Added granite.
What does a broken skin barrier look like?
To keep your skin barrier as healthy as possible, it's important to be aware of the signs that it may be sensitive. "Dryness, itching, redness, irritation, rashes and dermatitis are possible signs of an imbalance," says the doctor. granite. "People with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can experience a worsening of their condition when the skin barrier is compromised."
How can I strengthen my skin barrier?
To prevent such damage, add special ingredients that strengthen and maintain the skin barrier. Barrier-strengthening ceramides (glue-forming lipids that hold skin cells together), hyaluronic acid (a natural humectant or water absorbent that helps increase skin's moisture levels), and glycerin (also a humectant, works by drawing moisture from the environment into the skin).
Two products that meet all of these criteria are CeraVe Moisturizer, which has a rich, silky texture, and CeraVe Moisturizer Lotion, which is just as effective but lighter because it contains more water.
Both are fragrance-free, oil-free, gentle on the skin and use the brand's exclusive patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology, which releases active ingredients over time and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours. Choose the one that best suits your skin type - dry and very dry skin will appreciate the super rich texture of the cream, while normal and combination skin will prefer a light lotion.
There are also some helpful tweaks you can incorporate into your regular moisturizing routine. After cleansing your skin, don't forget to moisturize daily and apply the product of your choice to damp skin for maximum absorption. This applies to your entire body, not just your face, because as any dermatologist will tell you, both are equally important.
Find a moisturizer that's right for you
Discover CeraVe at Lookfantastic.com