All this talk about the skin barrier function. You’re going to be a pro before you know it!
If you have been following me on social media or are signed up to my mailing list for the juiciest skin tips in town! You may have a sense of that the moisture barrier actually is.
The many different names that are used to communicate it.
But something a little more subtle that I would liek to bring to your attention is, how you can tell if your skin's moisture barrier is damaged.
When your skin barrier isn’t functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing the following skin symptoms and conditions:
• Dry, scaly skin.
• Itchiness.
• Rough or discolored patches.
• Acne.
• Sensitive or inflamed areas.
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections.
Your skin is made up of layers. Each layer performs an important function in protecting your body.
Everyone's skin is made of three layers:
- The EPIDERMIS is the top layer
- The DERMIS is the middle layer
- The HYPODERMIS or Subcutaneous tissue layer - the bottom layer
To keep it simple, let's focus on the EPIDERMIS.
The top layer or EPIDERMIS has layers, too. Yes… it's layers to this skin game, honey.
The outermost layer of the EPIDERMIS or the top part of the skin is the STRATUM CORNEUM.
The STRATUM CORNEUM is often referred to as "bricks and mortar."
Why?
Because the STRATUM CORNEUM consists of these tough skin cells called corneocytes or the "the BRICKS", which are held together by the MORTAR-like lipids.
THHIISSS is your skin barrier….we do not want to Jack this up….mkay.
Inside the skin cells of the STRATUM CORNEUM, or "bricks", if you will, you'll find keratin and natural moisturizers.
The lipid layer, or "Mortar", contains cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. This lipid layer is why we also refer to the Skin Barrier as the 'LIPID BARRIER'.
This incredibly thin brick wall is literally keeping you alive.
Not an overstatement!
Without it, all sorts of harmful environmental toxins, pathogens, or heebie-jeebies could penetrate your skin and wreak havoc in your body.
Additionally, water inside your body would escape and evaporate without this function, leaving you completely dehydrated.
Another term for Skin Barrier is Moisture Barrier because it prevents water from escaping the middle layer of skin.
So now, hopefully, this helps you understand why the skin barrier is critical.
When you nail the maintenance of keeping your skin's top layer happy, you've done 80% of the work to the path to flawless skin.
Looking for a new lipid restoring moisturizer to lock the hydration back into your skin? Check out our Moisture Therapy moisturizer for all your hydration needs.