The cutaneous or lipid barrier of your skin is the outermost layer of cells that creates a protective film between you and the outside world. You can think of it as a brick wall. Fats, made up of a mixture of Ceramides, Fatty Acids and other nutrients called Natural Moisturizing Factor (NFM), are the cement between skin cells (the bricks of our wall). Why is the skin barrier important? A healthy skin barrier keeps moisture inside the skin and irritants and pollutants out. When the barrier is strong, it prevents dehydration and defends against aggressive external factors such as UV rays, heat, cold or irritating environmental substances. When the skin barrier is compromised or damaged, it is no longer able to perform these functions as best as possible and the effects are immediately evident! How can I keep my skin barrier healthy? Prevention is better than cure. Moisturizing is key to a healthy lipid barrier, so choose toners, creams and SPFs that are right for your skin and use them every day. Instead, avoid potentially irritating actions, such as aggressive exfoliation or certain active ingredients (such as Alcohol and Acetone) that could be potential triggers for weakening.
