What Is Your Skin’s Barrier & How Do You Repair It?
You’ve probably come across the term ‘skin barrier’ or ‘acid mantle’ before. While it might sound scientific, your skin’s barrier is a very important part of your body that is responsible for keeping the good stuff (moisture and hydration) in and the bad stuff (free radicals and pollutants) out. Read on to discover how to protect and nurture it for glowing skin head-to-toe.
WHAT, EXACTLY, IS YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER?
Your skin’s barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. The skin’s barrier is described as a brick wall. It’s made up of resilient skin cells called corneocytes (the bricks) that are joined together by lipids which contain ceramides, fatty acids and cholestrol (the mortar). The skin’s barrier is slightly acidic and may also be referred to as the acid mantle.
WHY IS YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER IMPORTANT?
Your skin’s barrier plays an essential role in protecting your skin against the external environment and aggressors (like free radicals, pollution and toxins) while keeping moisture and hydration in for plump and dewy skin.
WHAT CAN COMPROMISE YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER AND HOW DO YOU TELL IF IT’S DAMAGED?
Using products that contain harsh stripping ingredients like alcohols, dyes and foaming agents can wreak havoc on your skin’s barrier. Over using active ingredients can also cause more harm than good. An impaired skin barrier may manifest as redness, irritation, inflammation, increased sensitivity, flakiness and dryness, acne/congestion, uneven texture and discolouration.
HOW DO RESTORE YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER?
It’s a good idea to seek out gentle, pH-balanced products in both your skincare and body care routine that have been specifically created with your skin’s health in mind. The LUI BODY CARE RANGE has been formulated in Australia by female chemists using plant-based ingredients to deeply nourish and fortify your skin’s barrier. Dermatologists recommend using a moisturiser to strengthen your skin’s barrier.
Our BODY MOISTURISER has been formulated with a mixture of humectant (draws water into the skin), occlusive (locks moisture into the skin) and emollient (softens the skin) ingredients for long-lasting hydration and barrier support.