The term “skin barrier” is a concept that has been increasingly mentioned in recent years on mainstream social media (MSM) platforms like TikTok, where beauty issues are discussed and analyzed. If you’re a user of such platforms, you’ve probably heard numerous times that “you need to keep your skin barrier healthy.” But what exactly does this mean, and what are we referring to when we talk about the “skin barrier”?
What is the skin barrier?
We have already analyzed the layers that make up our skin. (Read more in our article HERE). The outer layer that we can see and touch is called the stratum corneum, or in Greek, the keratinous layer. This is precisely what we mean by the “skin barrier” of our skin, as it acts as our protector against various harmful factors.
The protection it provides us
The skin barrier is aptly named as it acts as a shield for our skin, preventing harmful agents such as toxins and pathogens from penetrating our skin. The penetration of these harmful substances into our bodies can significantly impact the health of both our skin and our body in general.
Another crucial function is the preservation of skin moisture, as it prevents water loss from the body, thus promoting the constant hydration of the skin.
Factors that can damage the skin barrier:
- Uncontrolled exposure to the sun without protection
- Environmental allergens and pollution
- Products that strip the skin of its beneficial moisture and disrupt its pH balance
- Aging
- Stress
- Skin diseases (such as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis)
- Weather conditions like dry air and humidity
Signs that your skin barrier needs strengthening:
- Dry skin with possible peeling
- Increased skin infections (such as rashes)
- Increased allergic reactions
- Increased inflammation (such as pimples and acne breakouts)
It is, therefore, crucial to maintain a healthy skin barrier, as the health of our skin depends on it. How can we strengthen it and keep it capable of protecting us from various harmful factors?
Our skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated.
Cleansing, hydration, and sun protection are the three steps we should never skip.
But let’s delve deeper into our recommendations:
- Choose products that are gentle on your skin. Your cleansers and moisturizers should leave the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Avoid harsh exfoliating products that can damage or irritate the skin.
- For gentle cleansing, consider using The Calming Cleansing Gel, which hydrates, softens, and calms the skin, or The Toning Cleansing Gel for its antiseptic properties and light hydration. Both products provide deep cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- CP Miracle Cream is an excellent addition to your daily regimen. It provides deep hydration and contains antioxidant herbs that protect the skin from external harmful factors. It also balances the skin’s pH, while the linoleic acid from apricot oil supports the ceramides, crucial for skin barrier health.
- Adopt sun protection as a non-negotiable part of your routine. The Skin Loving Suncream and The Skin Adjusting Suncream both offer SPF 50 protection and can be easily integrated into your morning routine. They have a unique texture that doesn’t leave white marks. Choose the former for a simple, hydrating option or the latter for slight coverage that adapts to your skin tone.
- Use products with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to combat breakouts and protect your skin from harmful bacteria and germs, thus boosting the skin barrier’s health. The Regenerating Moisturizing Gel contains herbs with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties that can alleviate conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It also prevents pore clogging, leading to acne, as it is enriched with natural salicylic acid.
- Facial Spray is an antiseptic and soothing product that combats the growth of bacteria and microbes with just a few sprays, strengthening the overall health of your skin.
In summary, your routine doesn’t have to be complex to be effective. To create a personalized routine that meets your individual needs, feel free to contact us!
With love,
The CP Herbalist Team
