Every day, your skin is exposed to irritants (think: environmental pollution, sun exposure, harsh climates) that can make your complexion look dull, dry and tired. What you may not know is that your best defense is your skin’s moisture barrier.
The skin’s barrier is its outer layer. It acts like a shield, protecting you from external influences that can damage or compromise it. This layer – called the stratum corneum – helps prevent TEWL (trans epidermal water loss), which is basically losing water (outflow) from the body. It also serves as protection against invaders like bacteria and allergens and other environmental influences. A healthy skin barrier can help keep moisture in, bad stuff out. It’s your body’s largest organ bodyguard.
How do you tell if your skin barrier is compromised? Signs of damage include increased sensitivities - itching, redness, irritation, or breakouts. Dryness, tightness, rashes and broken capillaries can occur, making it more difficult to heal itself from these side effects.
If you’re noticing any of these effects, or if you want to work on keeping a good strong barrier function, there are many things you can do. Wash your skin only twice daily with lukewarm water and reduce exfoliation to once a week with a gentle product, non-irritating exfoliant. Protect the skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, to help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays - even on cloudy days.
Hydration is also key to maintaining a strong barrier function. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like lipids, ceramides or glycerin. (Try one of our Euro Botanicals natural and organic moisturizers – which never contain phthalates or parabens) Serums like Evening Primrose Oil which contain a high concentration of omega fatty acids add hydration in a lightweight, fast absorbing formula. Evening Primrose Oil supports the skin’s natural self-repair – and helps reduce visible signs of aging, as well as reduce skin redness and irritation.
Increasing your water intake, eliminating smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are dietary changes which will help restore skin hydration. Go for the glow!