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STRENGTHENING THE SKIN BARRIER: WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT
The skin barrier is crucial for healthy skin as it acts as a shield against external influences. This article highlights the function of the skin barrier, why it is so important, and how it can be strengthened.
Are you looking for skincare products that strengthen your skin barrier? Here you go directly to the shop:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SKIN BARRIER AND HOW TO STRENGTHEN IT
What is the skin barrier?
The complex structure of the skin barrier consists of ceramides and other lipids that are essential for maintaining its barrier function. This barrier layer protects the skin from excessive moisture loss and preserves it from the penetration of pollutants and microorganisms. She works together with the hydrolipid film to optimally protect the skin and maintain its functions.
Why is the skin barrier important?
An intact skin barrier protects against environmental influences, allergens, and pathogens. Studies have shown that the skin barrier is crucial for overall skin health. The role of the skin microbiome in maintaining the skin barrier function is increasingly recognized as important. A disrupted skin barrier can lead to skin problems such as dryness, irritation, and infections.
Factors that damage the skin barrier
Various factors can impair the skin barrier. The most common causes include:
- Excessive cleaning and aggressive cleaning agents
- Environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution
- Lack of moisture supply
- Unbalanced diet
- Sleep deprivation
- hormonal changes
Repair skin barrier
With a disrupted skin barrier, it is important to rely on products that soothe and repair the skin. Ingredients such as panthenol, ceramides, as well as pre- and postbiotics are particularly suitable for this. The importance of the skin microbiome in wound healing and the restoration of the skin barrier is also strongly emphasized in scientific articles.
Our Better Balm Ceramide Lip Care contains these important ingredients and is suitable for repairing the damaged skin barrier of the lips. By combining ceramides, panthenol, as well as pre- and postbiotics, the Better Balm lip care offers an effective solution for soothing and regenerating dry, chapped lips.
Ceramide Lip Care
Postbiotics have a nourishing and antioxidant effect.
Panthenol has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ceramide strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Peptide stimulates collagen synthesis.
Plus: Shea Butter is nourishing and occlusive, protects against drying out.
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
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STRUCTURE OF THE SKIN AND ITS PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS
The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Each of these skin layers has specific tasks and functions that are crucial for the health and well-being of the skin.
The three layers of skin
1. Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and forms the primary protective barrier. It consists of several layers of cells that form a waterproof layer. The epidermis protects against mechanical damage, chemical substances, and microorganisms.
2. Dermis
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains collagen and elastin fibers that give the skin strength and elasticity. It supplies the epidermis with nutrients and is responsible for thermoregulation.
3. Subcutis
The subcutis consists of adipose tissue that acts as a shock absorber and stores energy. It protects the internal organs and helps with heat retention.
Functions of the skin
The skin has several important functions:
- Body's protective barrier: Protects against external influences and pathogens.
- Temperature regulation: Helps to regulate body temperature through sweating and circulation.
- Sense organ: perception of touch, pain, and temperature.
PROTECTIVE SHIELD SKIN BARRIER
The skin forms a protective barrier that keeps the body safe from harmful environmental influences such as toxic substances, UV radiation, and pathogens. As the body's first line of defense, the health and function of this barrier are essential for the protection of the entire organism.
1. Microbial barrier
The microbial barrier consists of certain microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. These "good" microorganisms, also known as commensals, prevent the growth of harmful microbes by competing for space and nutrients. A loss of these microbes can cause inflammation, chronic wounds, or abscesses. In addition, the "good" microorganisms produce antibiotic substances that act against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Physical barrier
The physical barrier is formed by keratinocytes that work together like bricks in a wall. These cells are held together by lipids (including sphingolipids), which serve as mortar. The physical barrier protects against external influences and enables rapid regeneration and wound healing for superficial injuries. The skin barrier is particularly vulnerable in atopic dermatitis, highlighting the importance of a robust physical barrier.
3. Chemical Barrier
The chemical barrier maintains an acidic environment of the skin, which prevents colonization by pathogens. Fat-splitting enzymes produce free fatty acids that nourish "good" bacteria and combat "bad" ones.
4. Immunological barrier
The immunological barrier is based on the complex interactions of immune cells. Langerhans cells in the stratum spinosum alert the immune system upon contact with pathogens and contribute to the defense against pathogens.
HOW CAN THE SKIN BARRIER BE STRENGTHENED?
Since the skin barrier is the body's first line of defense against environmental influences and skin diseases, it is important to keep it intact and resilient. An effective and gentle skin care significantly contributes to the maintenance and strengthening of the skin barrier. To strengthen the skin barrier, it is essential to use the right care products that are specifically aimed at repairing and building the skin barrier.
Here are four skincare tips to support the skin barrier and improve its functions:
1. Support skin lipids
Skin lipids play a central role in the barrier function of the skin. Skincare products that contain ceramides are particularly recommended. Ceramides, a subgroup of sphingolipids, are skin-native lipids that can help repair the damaged skin barrier and build the skin barrier.
Use pH-neutral skin care products
The chemical skin barrier is based on a slightly acidic pH value of the skin, which ranges between 4.5 and 5.5. When purchasing cosmetic products, attention should be paid to the pH value in order to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle. Gentle cleansing products with a skin-neutral pH value help to maintain the skin's protective barrier. Our The Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser effectively cleanses with mild sugar surfactants without damaging the skin barrier.
3. Avoid aggressive, abrasive peels
Avoid strongly abrasive mechanical peels that can damage the skin barrier by reducing skin lipids and potentially causing micro-injuries. A gentle alternative is chemical peels, which can be used once or twice a week depending on skin type and acid concentration.
4. Observe the skin and respond to individual needs
A regular skincare routine tailored to the skin type is essential for strengthening the skin barrier. Soothing ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol (provitamin B5), amino acids, and copper peptides can help calm the skin and improve the barrier function.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A strong and healthy skin barrier is essential for protecting the skin and preventing skin problems. A disrupted skin barrier can lead to dryness, irritation, and infections. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the skin barrier and build up the skin protection barrier. By targeted care and the use of suitable products, the skin barrier can be strengthened and maintained in the long term. The use of care products with ceramides can help repair a damaged skin barrier and build the skin barrier. A good sunscreen is also essential to protect the skin barrier from UV damage. Proper care strengthens the skin structure and the body's protective barrier. By incorporating gentle cleansing products, moisturizing care, and good sun protection into the daily skincare routine, significant contributions are made to the health of the skin.
FAQ
The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Each of these layers contains different cell types and structures that perform specific functions.
The skin has numerous functions, including protection against external influences, regulation of body temperature, as well as perception of touch and pain.
The skin is divided into three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis. The epidermis contains keratinocytes and melanocytes, the dermis contains collagen and elastic fibers as well as blood vessels, and the subcutis is mainly composed of adipose tissue.
The epidermis protects the body from environmental influences, prevents water loss, and contains cells that provide an immunological defense against microorganisms. She is also involved in the production of melanin, which protects the skin from UV rays.
Don't forget: Retinoids such as high-dose retinol and retinal make the skin more susceptible to sun damage like sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and signs of skin aging. Therefore: When using retinal, always apply sun protection (at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50) – even in autumn and winter.
A person has three main layers of the skin: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis. The epidermis additionally consists of five sublayers: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum (only in certain areas), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale.
The lower layer of the epidermis, the stratum basale, is responsible for the production of new skin cells. These cells move up to replace dead cells on the surface.
The skin acts as a barrier against physical, chemical, and microbiological influences, regulates water balance and body temperature, and enables sensory perceptions. She also plays a role in immune defense.
The skin renews itself approximately every 28 days. However, this process, known as natural cell turnover, can be influenced by various factors such as age, diet, and skincare. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and support the skin's renewal process.
The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis (outer skin), dermis (true skin), and subcutis (under skin). The epidermis itself consists of several sublayers.
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Almoughrabie S, Cau L, Cavagnero K, O'Neill AM, Li F, Roso-Mares A, Mainzer C, Closs B, Kolar MJ, Williams KJ, Bensinger SJ, Gallo RL. (2023). Commensal Cutibacterium acnes induce epidermal lipid synthesis important for skin barrier function. Sci Adv., 9(33), 6262.
Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.
Harris-Tryon TA, Grice EA. (2022). Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function. Science. 376(6596), 940-945.
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Schachner L, Alexis A, Andriessen A, Baldwin H, Cork M, Kirsner R, Woolery-Lloyd H. (2023). Supplement Individual Article: The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier From the Cradle to the Grave Using Ceramide-Containing Cleansers and Moisturizers: A Review and Consensus. J Drugs Dermatol., 22(2).
Schmuth M, Eckmann S, Moosbrugger-Martinz V, Ortner-Tobider D, Blunder S, Trafoier T, Gruber R, Elias PM. (2024) Skin Barrier in Atopic Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol., 144(5), 989-1000.
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