Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRoleTriggers of DamageSymptomsRepairing the Skin BariierMaintaining the Skin Barrier
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Role
Triggers of Damage
Symptoms
Repairing the Skin Bariier
Maintaining the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin and performs complex functions that impact almost every organ system. It is your primary barrier against infections, injuries, and toxic substances. Your skin barrier comprises four layers that work together: the physical, chemical, microbiome, and immunological layers.
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Role of Skin Barrier
Anatomically speaking, the skin is made up ofthree layers:
Your skin barrier (epidermis) is the outermost layer of skin, consisting of four layers designed to work together. They include:
What Triggers Skin Barrier Damage
Problems with any of your skin barrier layers can lead to skin barrier damage and affect its function. Skin barrier damage can increase your risk for injury or infection from external sources, decrease moisture, and disrupt functions like temperature regulation.
Some of the most common causes of skin barrier damage are:
Is My Skin Barrier Damaged?
A damaged skin barrier can take many forms, and some symptoms can develop from more than one trigger. Below are some frequent causes and symptoms of skin barrier damage.
Itching and Redness
Itching and redness are common signs of damage to the skin barrier and can happen for various reasons. Redness can result from a burn, chemical irritation, or inflammation.
Itching is often associated with redness, which can signal dryness, inflammation, or autoimmune dysfunction.Autoimmune skin diseasesresult from a misfire in your immune system that causes immune cells to attack healthy cells. Examples of autoimmune skin disorders that can weaken or damage the skin barrier are:
Dryness or Flaking
Dryness or flaking can occur with various autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases. Psoriasis, eczema, and other forms of dermatitis often feature symptoms like itching, peeling, or flaking.
Dryness and flaking could also result from other physiological problems involving bodily fluid regulation. Dehydration, dry climate, and a lack of skin care significantly contribute to this symptom.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the skin has many causes. Physical or chemical injuries, as well assunburns, can cause inflammation. Swelling on the skin’s surface can indicate more significant immune system problems like autoimmune disease orallergic reactions.
How to Repair the Skin Barrier
Skin barrier damage is not a cosmetic problem. Rather, it can make you more susceptible to disease, injury, dehydration, and more. Below are some steps you can take to repair a damaged skin barrier.
Moisturizing
Choosing the Best MoisturizerDermatologists prefer ointments and creams to lotions for skin barrier repair or protection.Petrolatum—commonly known as Vaseline petroleum jelly—or ointments like Aquaphor are hypoallergenic and neutral regarding your skin chemistry. Using these kinds of products can help put moisture into your skin and reduce the loss of moisture and fluids from your body through the skin.
Choosing the Best Moisturizer
Dermatologists prefer ointments and creams to lotions for skin barrier repair or protection.Petrolatum—commonly known as Vaseline petroleum jelly—or ointments like Aquaphor are hypoallergenic and neutral regarding your skin chemistry. Using these kinds of products can help put moisture into your skin and reduce the loss of moisture and fluids from your body through the skin.
Cleansing
It’s important to keep your skin clean—but be sure you are using the right products.Cleansersthat contain alcohol can dry the skin and cause more damage, and you should be careful not to disrupt your natural microbiome.
Cleansers,toners, and even cosmetics should be scrutinized for any irritating chemicals, too, as these can continue to weaken or damage the skin barrier.
Identifying and Treating Underlying Issues
If you keep your skin clean and moisturized and still experience skin barrier damage, you may need to consider other conditions that could be contributing. Skin disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other triggers can weaken the skin barrier, and you may need specific treatment aimed at strengthening the layers of your skin, replacing vital proteins, or reducing autoimmune activity.
When to See a DermatologistIf you have tried holistic and over-the-counter remedies for skin problems that have not worked, you could have an underlying systemic (body-wide) condition weakening or damaging your skin barrier. Talk to a healthcare provider, such as adermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you have tried holistic and over-the-counter remedies for skin problems that have not worked, you could have an underlying systemic (body-wide) condition weakening or damaging your skin barrier. Talk to a healthcare provider, such as adermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Maintaining Skin Barrier Health
As with skin barrier treatment, proper cleansing and moisturizing are key to maintaining and protecting a healthy skin barrier. For the best results in maintaining a healthy skin barrier, look for products that containingredientslike:
It’s also important to know what to avoid. Ingredients you should avoid in creams, lotions, cleaners, and cosmetics include:
Summary
Your skin is your first line of defense against external toxins. It keeps fluids and nutrients inside your body, helps to regulate homeostasis, and protects you from injury and infection. Various skin conditions can damage the skin barrier, but moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and avoiding irritants can help you heal and restore your skin barrier.
12 Sources
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