While we may not put so much thought into it, the skin is our largest organ, and it serves an important purpose — it keeps harmful organisms and substances from entering the body. Aside from this, our skin is also responsible for helping to regulate our body temperature, and to communicate sensations of touch, cold, and heat.

However, our skin weakens as we age, and more effort is required in order to keep it healthy. This is because our skin faces threats on an everyday basis — from too much sun exposure, harsh chemicals, over-exfoliation, and even psychological distress. As such, it’s important to know how to care for our skin, and this starts from getting to know more about the parts of this impressive organ.

What Is the Skin Barrier?

Our skin is composed of several layers, and the outermost layer, called stratum corneum is composed of tough skin cells (corneocytes) that are bound together by a lipid interface. Best described as something like a “brick-mortar” structure, this is our skin barrier. 

The corneocytes or “bricks” are composed of keratin and natural moisturizers, while the mortar-like lipids contain cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. 

The skin barrier, acting like a brick wall, keeps us alive by preventing water inside our body from evaporating. Without it, we will be completely dehydrated. In addition, it also stops harmful environmental toxins and pathogens from penetrating our skin. 

Signs of Damaged Skin Barrier

When your skin barrier has been damaged, you are more prone to developing skin problems such as acne, itchiness, dry and scaly skin, and sensitive or inflamed areas. Contraction of bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections may also be signs that your skin barrier is no longer functioning properly. 

 How Do You Protect Your Skin Barrier?

Proper skin care is part of preventing skin barrier damage, and at the same time, it can also help restore your skin barrier to its healthy state. Here are some points to consider in your skincare regimen: 

• Opt for a simple skincare routine

With so many beauty products in the market, it can be tempting to add so many of them to form a complicated daily regimen. Speaking with a dermatologist or skincare expert may help you choose which products are essential and most effective for your skin type.

When exfoliating, observe how your skin reacts. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to switch to a soft cloth and a mild chemical exfoliant as some types of scrubs can temporarily damage the skin barrier. 

• Know which ingredients to look for

Ceramides are waxy lipids crucial for the healthy functioning of your skin barrier. They are found in high concentrations in the stratum corneum. Moisturizers with ceramides are especially helpful for acne-prone skin and can help relieve dryness, itchiness, and scaling.

Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin are also helpful in reducing the amount of water loss from your skin. Petrolatum works by leaving a thin film on your skin that keeps in moisture, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in water (either from outside or inside your body) and binds it in the skin barrier. 

Plant oils (jojoba, coconut, almond, argan) are also effective in preventing your skin barrier from losing moisture. In addition, they are great antioxidants and have antibacterial properties as well. 

• Check the pH level

The acid level of our skin mantle is around a pH of 5.7. When the pH level ceases to become healthy, it can lead to skin problems such as dermatitis, ichthyosis, and acne.

Keep in mind that skincare products are known to have a wide range of pH levels — from 3.7 all the way up to 8.2. It is therefore recommended to choose a product that’s close to the skin’s natural pH.

Because our skin barrier plays a crucial part in our body’s defense system, taking care of our skin is also a health concern. By using the right types of skincare products, we are also helping safeguard our overall health.