Let's see what this famous "barrier" is, how to preserve it or restore it?
DEHYDRATED, WEAKENED, IRRITATED SKIN?
We need to talk about the barrier….
"The natural protective barrier" – or simply "barrier" – is a concept that has taken over social media since influencers "discovered" it. Dermatology and dermocosmetics have been caring for the barrier for decades, because a damaged barrier means a lot of problems for the skin – both functional and aesthetic. So let's see what this famous "barrier" is, how to preserve it or restore it.
The outer layer of the skin called the "stratum corneum" acts as a protective barrier – the first line of defense not only for the skin but also for the body. The surface of the skin, like tiles, is covered with dead cells connected by a "cement" of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. There are also proteins that help build the skin's natural moisturizing factor which, as the name suggests, retains moisture and is composed of urea, lactic acid, amino acids, sugars (including hyaluronic acid), peptides… A healthy barrier also involves a healthy microbiome, a community of bacteria naturally present on the skin that perform a variety of important functions. This complex and well-balanced system keeps the skin hydrated, elastic, and protected from dryness, inflammation, UV radiation, toxins, bacteria, and allergens. A compromised barrier is first recognized by dry, tight, stinging skin, flaking in some areas, or redness, with fine dehydration lines, appearing tired and dull.
BARRIER GUARDIANS ARE WITHIN REACH
Adequate care and healthy lifestyles are fundamental conditions for a healthy barrier, soft and elastic skin. You will take care of healthy habits yourself, not just for beautiful skin, and we can recommend a skincare routine that preserves the barrier.
CLEANSING: You must be effective in removing all impurities, yet gentle enough not to compromise the barrier.
In the evening: Remove residues of daily care, SPF, heavy metals, pollution particles, excess sebum, sweat, pollen, dust… From this, it is clear that you should cleanse your face even if you don't wear makeup. To remove oil-soluble impurities (including makeup), you need a balm or milk. After that, remove all residues with a mild cleansing gel. A balm, milk, or oil will help dissolve makeup, UV protection, various impurities. DARPHIN AROMATIC CLEANSING BALM with jojoba oil, marula, sage, and rosewood with a captivating scent and luxurious texture turns cleansing into a moment you can't wait for. A gentle gel will remove residues of balms and water-soluble impurities. DARPHIN INTRAL MICELLAR LOTION is a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin.
Quality micellar water can replace these two steps, like ESTHEDERM OSMOPURE CLEANSING WATER, which maintains the balance of minerals and moisture in the skin. In the morning, while removing residues of nighttime care and excess sebum and toxins that the skin expelled during the night, an ultra-mild sulfate-free cleansing gel is sufficient.
SERUM is usually the carrier of active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C, but we advise you to refrain from strong active substances until the damaged barrier is repaired and use a barrier-strengthening serum like THE ORDINARY SOOTHING BARRIER SUPPORT serum that quickly restores the barrier, hydrates, and soothes effects of its damage such as dryness, redness, and stinging.
HYDRATION: We mentioned the skin's natural moisturizing factor, so our logical recommendation is a product that mimics its ingredients: THE ORDINARY NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTORS + HA. If you prefer softer textures with brilliant hydration, you'll find ideal care in MALIN+GOETZ VITAMIN E FACE MOISTURIZER, a combination of antioxidant vitamin E, hydrating vitamin B5 and amino acids, soothing chamomile.
MICROBIOME: Strengthening the skin's microbiome directly affects the skin barrier's renewal, and the best way to take quick action is with VENN PROBIOTIC CICA COMPLEX BIOME BOOSTER. As much as 37.5% of the formula is MICROBIOME BALANCE SYSTEM™, a protected VENN combination of prebiotics, postbiotics, and probiotic ferments. Over 2% of the formula consists of centella substances that renew the skin.
