The Function Of The Skin Barrier
Simply put, the main function of the skin barrier is to protect the deeper layers of skin and internal organs from the external environment by forming a strong defensive wall – hence why it's known as a barrier -- as the first line of defense from external insults, such as pollution, toxins and infections. What’s more, it also plays a role in temperature regulation and water loss through the skin.
Without the skin barrier, infections, chemicals, allergens, viruses and other harmful externa; elements could enter the body. And, unsurprisingly, those with sensitive skin are more at risk to suffer from an impaired skin barrier.
Here’s the catch: even though the barrier is strong in its own right and works hard to help deflect presumptive invaders, it can still become damaged by internal and external causes, like
- Sun exposure
- Environmental allergens and pollution
- Cosmetic products and soaps that lure natural moisture and oils from the skin
- Unbalanced pH skincare products
- Dry air or low humidity
- Aging
- Emotional stress
- Eczema, psoriasis and/or atopic dermatitis
We’re guessing that you may have damaged your skin barrier but attributed the dryness, the rough, scaly patches or flaking to another cause, like eczema, which is understandable because it’s a skin disease that’s similar in appearance and guess what? It's partially due to skin barrier dysfunction.
So, how do you know if you have a compromised barrier?
First, you may struggle to keep your skin well-moisturized. The feeling: skin feels dry and tight.
Second, you see flaking even after moisturizing. The feeling: irritation, stinging, breakouts.
Third, your skin texture just isn’t the same as it was. The feeling: it’s bumpier and rough.
Lastly, age brings joy of celebrating another birthday but your skin is slowing down its natural production of lipids, ceramides, and hydration – the three key foundations supporting the barrier.
Ok, ok … you’ve damaged your barrier but it’s forgivable and not the end of the world. That’s because we have spent decades (that qualifies as an obsession, doesn't it? ) researching, investigating and developing protective ingredients and products to make it sure your barrier can and will be repaired.
With humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin because they work by attracting water to the skin to keep deeper skin layers hydrated. That means they keep your barrier supple, healthy, and ready to defend against invaders.
With Ceramides, to restore fat content and help prevent water loss from all levels of the skin. These are the fats or lipids in skin cells that make up 30-40% of the epidermis. They are vital in maintaining proper moisture levels for barrier protection and avoiding dehydration and irritation in the skin.
With Peptides, such as GHK-Cu ones that encourage the skin to rehab itself by behaving as signaling messengers to tell skin cells to start creating new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to rebuild structures in the skin. Plus, its anti-inflammatory benefits allow the skin to heal, repair, and defend itself.
With Amino Acid Blends, the ones that mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing factor and provide hydration and restore healthy barrier functioning.
Of course, the first thing you should do is have a hard think about what you’ve been using on your skin.
Let’s start with Cleansing: think nourishing, calming and fragrance-free, NEOVA Gentle Cleanser.
Our simple non-ionic surfactant cleanser that gently and efficiently removes oils and environmental contaminants. It’s a cream-to-foaming Copper Tri-Peptide wash that balances skin, maintains moisture and removes contaminants pre-and post-procedure.
Next, a Serum: think lasting hydration, anti-inflammation and DNA repair, like Advanced HA. Our dynamic concentrate with LMW (Low Molecular Weight) Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid that binds to collagen to one side of skin cells and links to water molecules on the other, giving skin its bounce. And it’s so smart, it knows when there’s damage and regulates inflammation levels to reduce cell stress.
Then to start your day: think Copper Peptide Complex +Hyaluronic Acid. Three -- Crème de la Copper, Ultimate Redness Relief, and Daily Moisture -- protect and rebuild the barrier all day long – with antioxidant defense, collagen and elastin prompters and skin protein stabilizers.
Wind up the day with Power Defense Serum: think 2 Tri-Peptides, delivering penetrating concentrates, antioxidants, and Sodium Hyaluronate to deeply hydrate immediately.
Follow it Night Therapy: think a dedicated overnight treatment with patented DNA Cofactor [DNA Repair Enzymes Night Therapy + Copper Peptide Complex] and Ceramide Blend that uses the restorative hours of sleep to optimize renewal, elevate moisture retention and inhibit the signs of free radical damage and assures that increased skin cell production can take place, when the skin isn't busy fighting aggressors for daytime hydration.
Day and Night, your eyes are longing for the same protection and repair: think Illuminating Eye Serum, with Copper Peptide Complex, DNA Repair and Ceramides that depuffs, instantly brightens and visibly reduce the signs of under-eye dark circles..
Your Weekly Skin Barrier Reward, Pure Copper Mask: think Copper Peptide Complex and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid with its ability to fill wrinkles from the inside out and contribute significantly to the elasticity of the skin.
Believe us, like everything in life, a healthy skin barrier is all about moderation and balance and our obsession with protecting, restoring and repairing it takes a holistic approach to your skincare. Protection is key, so follow our recommendations and, of course, a broad-spectrum SPF, like Silc Sheer 2.0 or Everyday Facial Fluid, every morning to protect your barrier, to keep UV rays, pollutants, and other environmental aggressors away and your skin barrier is safe for the skin of your life.
