THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER
& HOW TO HEAL IT
THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER
While skincare goals can vary from person to person, one result that remains universally desired is the pursuit of dewy skin.
But the real question is.. how do we wake up with that effortless glow without the 50 step routine or expensive treatments?
We’re here to let you in on the secret — it starts with a healthy skin barrier.
WHAT IS THE "SKIN BARRIER"?
Your Skin barrier is your first line of defense against external stressors. It is the outermost layer of your skin, also known as the stratum corneum and is made up of fatty acids, natural oils and water. The stratum corneum acts as a barrier against the environmental stressors we face on a day-to-day basis.
The main function of your skin barrier is protecting your skin against harsh pollutants, ultraviolet rays, irritation, infection, dehydration, and other toxins.
As we know, the skin is our largest organ so it is extremely important to keep its first defense in top shape. If damaged, it can be a cause of acne, redness and other skin concerns.
Here are some examples of things to stay away from (or keep to a minimum) while protecting your skin barrier.
SKIN BARRIER DISRUPTORS:
– harsh cleansers
– chemical or harsh physical exfoliants
– astringents
– alcohol
– ultraviolet rays
– washing your face with hot water
– washing your face TOO much (this is why we suggest using our Complex Cleanser once a day, preferable at night to wash the day away).
The Wilds Complex Cleanser was made with your skin barrier first in mind. It is made with simple, yet effective ingredients that leave your skin feeling soothed, not aggravated. The main reason for this is our appreciation for natural, toxin free ingredients.
CLEAN INGREDIENTS THAT NATURALLY HEAL YOUR SKIN BARRIER
These three MVP ingredients found in the Complex Cleanser work together to nourish and hydrate your skin barrier - Green Tea, Licorice root, and our favorite; Vitamin B3.
Both Green Tea and Licorice Root have powerful antioxidant levels that are anti-inflammatory for our skin. They not only de-puff, but leave a soothing feel to any damaged areas on the face.
Vitamin B3’s superpower is increasing your ceramide synthesis. Ceramides are found in the moisture barrier and they are critical for retaining hydration.
So there you have it — the secret to naturally glowing, dewy, skin. Like most things, it doesn’t come with a quick fix. But it can be acquired with a little education, appreciation for your skin, and minimal skincare products with effective, non-toxic ingredients.
Source - Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner: Proceedings of an Expert Panel Roundtable Meeting, April 2016Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320084667_Understanding_the_Epidermal_Barrier_in_Healthy_and_Compromised_Skin_Clinically_Relevant_Information_for_the_Dermatology_Practitioner_Proceedings_of_an_Expert_Panel_Roundtable_Meeting