Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier

 

By: @___george.nat

 

A strong, well-functioning skin barrier is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that acts as a protective shield against environmental aggressors and seals in hydration. If this bond between cells is weak or impaired, environmental toxins and stressors can get in such as pollutants and unwanted bacteria. Thus, an impaired barrier can result in inflammation, dryness, increased sensitivity, slow wound healing…the list goes on. On the contrary, when the skin barrier is strong, your skin is able to self-regenerate.

 

Everyone’s skin is different, therefore the root cause of your own individual skin issues will be different then the person next to you. Common external factors include excess sun exposure, environmental toxins, over exfoliation, lack of cleansing, extended wear of makeup, and using skincare products that contain toxic or low quality ingredients. Some internal factors include gut inflammation, imbalanced hormones, immune dysfunction, stress (chronic or acute) and inadequate sleep.

 

It is best to address an impaired skin barrier both internally and externally. See below for a list of my suggestions.

 

Skincare Ingredients

 

Hyaluronic Acid: Supports the skin barrier by enhancing moisture retention levels.

 

SPF: This helps to prevent further damage to the skin barrier and will also speed up the recovery process as most clean SPFs contain zinc and antioxidants that improve wound healing.

 

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba is anti-inflammatory, mimics our own natural sebum production, and has a high concentration of wax esters.

 

Squalene: This skin-identical ingredient acts as an antioxidant and seals in moisture while remaining incredibly lightweight. 

 

Antioxidants: These promote skin renewal and reduce skin damage from oxidative stress. I particularly love Kakadu Plum due to its high concentration of vitamin C and Sea buckthorn because of its linoleic acid content.   

 

Ceramides: Ceramides are waxy lipids found inside the skin. They strengthen the skin barrier by locking in hydration and restoring the “mortar” between the skin cells to maintain cell-to-cell adhesion. 

 

Fatty Acids: These are also found inside the skin and they help to produce the skin’s natural oil barrier.

 

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that improves collagen production and enhances the production of barrier lipids required for a strong skin barrier.  

 

To repair and maintain a healthy skin barrier, avoid over exfoliating, using poor quality ingredients on the skin, and harsh/stripping ingredients such as parabens, artificial fragrances, SLS, SLES, phthalates, formaldehyde, and oxybenzone. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures and very dry or hot air. Although it may be tempting to try out the newest promising skincare ingredient on the market, using too many actives can compromise the skin barrier. Less is more!

 

Internal Support 

 

Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and therefore, improves wound healing and elasticity. Because it is a potent antioxidant, it also helps to prevent skin damage from free radicals.  

 

Omega’s: These play many roles in protecting and improving the skin barrier such as enhancing moisture and hydration, reducing inflammation, and supporting regular oil production.  

 

Water: Internal hydration is essential for every bodily function in our body but most notably, for our skin cell structure as dehydration can lead to inflammation, speed up the ageing process, and inhibit proper healing.  

 

Collagen: Collagen is in charge of forming fibroblasts which support new cell growth. It also plays a role in replacing and restoring new skin cells and therefore, improves skin elasticity. Studies have found three months of consistent collagen intake can strengthen the skin barrier.

 

Address Diet: Make sure your diet is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, and free from processed foods.

 

Alongside taking these powerful ingredients for your internal health, it is also important to consider what the root cause might be. This may involve addressing any dysfunction in your gut, hormonal, immune or mental health. If you are using skin-nourishing ingredients on the skin and consuming skin-supportive actives like the ones above but the issue still persists, speak with a qualified practitioner to identify the underlying root cause.

 

References: 

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608132/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3540740/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder @chrisbardawil Joint pain after exercise, headaches or brain fog after a bad night's sleep, and digestive distress after eating are all symptoms of systemic inflammation. While there are many articles and discussions about various foods and diets to reduce inflammation, little attention is paid to reducing inflammation through exercise. Inflammation in itself isn't a bad thing....

Read more
Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The purpose of the human digestive system is to break down foods, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste; without this, humans would not be able to function. Stomach acid plays a key role in this process, allowing the body not only to survive but to thrive. After chewing, the food we eat travels to the stomach. The stomach churns and combines broken...

Read more
A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

Q&A with Dr. Laura Belus 1) Tell us a bit about yourself    I am a practising naturopathic doctor in Mississauga Canada. My focus is on hormonal health, specifically when it comes to acne, PMS and fertility. My own journey...

Read more
Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy If you’re a high-achieving woman, you likely relate to juggling multiple responsibilities, from demanding careers to personal commitments. When we are overwhelmed, it’s easy to believe the limiting stories we tell ourselves about not having enough time. We must willingly embrace a different narrative: that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is...

Read more
Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co ‘Restrictive diet’ is an umbrella term that encompasses changes to how, when and what one eats. To some, avoiding junk food is considered restrictive; to others, a restrictive diet may be as extreme as consuming food from only one food group or strictly avoiding others. Regardless, the ultimate question is, when do restrictive diets help and when do they harm?

Read more
Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Author Isak Dinesen famously said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." We all know that staying active and releasing emotions is vital for our health—and as someone who grew up on the coast going to the beach year round, I also believe...

Read more
Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil Over the past few years intermittent fasting has become the golden child of the wellness community all due to the miraculous effects it can have on your health.   Intermittent fasting is avoiding eating or drinking...

Read more
Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

A Note from a Dermatologist: @dermahealthnutrition The world of aesthetic dermatology is experiencing a refreshing shift towards a trend known as "skinimalism" (Skin + Minimalism). This movement is a response to the overwhelming abundance of skincare products and complex routines that have dominated the beauty industry in recent years. At its core, skinimalism advocates a minimalist approach...

Read more
Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy  Many of us are busier than ever before. We juggle demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and social obligations to name a few, and if you’re a high-achiever this list may never seem to end. Burnout is a growing concern today due...

Read more
How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood By now, almost everyone knows that alcohol is not the healthiest thing for our minds and bodies. But what do we know about the effect that alcohol has on our gut microbiome health? Before I answer this, there are a few terms I want to define for...

Read more
The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

 By: @ericabassotherapy It's hopeful to see how much society has progressed in embracing mental health discussions. But as a mental health provider, I still notice gaps in our understanding of accurate mental health information. We can all get better at recognizing signs of mental health struggles and feeling empowered to seek support when needed. As a licensed...

Read more
The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The concept of the skin barrier has become a part of many skincare aficionado’s vocabulary, but what does it really mean?  It is important to remember...

Read more