Fortifying the Skin Barrier
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil shares her advice on looking after your body’s frontline defence against harmful toxins and environmental stressors
Why is a strong skin barrier important for healthy skin?
Skin barrier protects the skin from external environmental agents and free radicals which can damage the skin. Maintaining a strong skin barrier will help prevent this damage and any skin conditions that can happen when the skin barrier is compromised.
What are the signs of a compromised skin barrier?
When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes prone to redness, irritation, sensitivity, increased dryness and flaky skin, breakouts and a reduced ability to retain moisture. This can lead to the development of conditions like eczema, acne and fungal skin infections.
Why are skin barrier issues on the rise?
There has been an increased trend of using potentially irritating agents such as retinoids, and exfoliating acids, as well as harsh physical exfoliators like grainy scrubs. Other common culprits are some natural or synthetic fragrances as well as drying alcohols, especially on sensitive skin. Certain dermatological procedures like HydraFacial, chemical peels, micro-needling and dermabrasion are tried by many people without appropriate knowledge of any harmful effects it can cause to their skin. It can lead to disruptions to the skin barrier which increases the likelihood of irritants, pathogens, and allergens provoking inflammatory responses. We have recently seen an increase in such cases.
There’s an idea that when it comes to skincare/treatments we need to slightly damage skin to kickstart our natural repair processes – is this true?
Skin regeneration is a natural process that occurs at a cellular level. The top layers of cells constantly replace themselves, but this process slows down with ageing. Specific skin care products can also help improve the natural cell turnover process, hydrate the skin, and get rid of built-up dead skin cells. Sometimes a little deep exfoliation or resurfacing can kick-start skin rejuvenation but without damaging the skin barrier and should be performed by a qualified professional. Sometimes an aggressive approach may lead to worse outcomes and irritant reactions and scarring.
Does our skin barrier become more vulnerable as we get older?
The influence of ageing on skin barrier function is widely accepted, but not very much understood and evaluated. As skin ages, it becomes thinner, less elastic, and loses moisture and lipid contact. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, the development of pigmented spots and blemishes and dryness of the skin.
What skin habits comprise the skin barrier?
Using potential irritant chemicals on the skin whether they are night creams, retinoids, or exfoliants without proper evaluation and consultation or use of such products on an already compromised skin barrier can lead to damaged skin or give rise to irritant and inflammatory skin conditions.
What skin habits fortify the skin barrier?
#1 - Moisturise regularly to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Use lotions and serums that contain moisture-binding humectants, such as glycerine, sorbitol and hyaluronic acid which is antiaging as well.
#2 - Avoid irritant products like harsh chemical exfoliation, retinoids without prescription, and astringents which can cause inflammation of the skin and skin conditions including eczema and rosacea.
#3 - Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of a damaged skin barrier, and continued exposure to UVA and UVB rays impedes skin-barrier restoration. Sun protection with factor 50 is very useful in protecting the skin barrier and photoaging.
#4 - A healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, good sleep, reduced stress and regular exercise will help to improve skin regeneration and natural healing.
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