What is a skin barrier and what exactly does it do?
By now, if you're not familiar with the term then you're likely desperate to know what our skin barrier even is. Think of it as the layer of skin that we touch, the layer that we apply our copious amount of skincare on.
"Our 'skin barrier' is the outermost layer of our skin, composed of skin cells that are held together with a rich cement made up of lipids (oils), cholesterol, moisturising factors, and antibacterial proteins," Dr De Cruz explains, adding that "it is like the brick wall of a house, whereby the skin cells are the ‘bricks’ and the intercellular lipids are the ‘mortar’".
While it's all fine and well that we now understand the concept of skin, in order to really grasp what a skin barrier does, we need to know how it works.
"Our skin barrier protects our skin from dehydration through a process known as ‘transepidermal water loss’ and prevents penetration of bacteria, viruses, dust particles, house dust mite, allergens and irritants," Dr De Cruz continues. "It ensures our skin and internal organs are protected from environmental stressors and provides thermo-regulation."
How can I damage my skin barrier and what are the signs of a damaged skin barrier?
But just like every prized possession we hold near and dear, our skin barrier can take on a brunt of damage. And unfortunately, it's rather easy to do so, thanks to "excessive heat, dryness, mechanical irritation (excessive exfoliation, dermabrasion, chemicals, or clothing), UV radiation, inflammation from skin disease and use of inappropriate skin care".
For some, a bout of irritated skin might come down to a self-diagnosis of 'sensitivity'. And while that isn't entirely untrue, the lines between skin that is prone to irritation from everyday products and skin that reacts to only certain products is blurry.
"A damaged skin barrier may present with signs of ‘sensitive skin’ whereby the skin reacts with redness, burning, itch, irritation, dryness, and flakiness to even the most basic of products," Dr De Cruz says.
"It is a very common problem and often arises from use of inappropriate chemicals contained in fancy (and often expensive) skin care. Many patients complain of dry, dull, uncomfortable skin, that seems to react to everything they try to soothe it."
How can I repair my damaged skin barrier?
While understanding exactly what is happening with your irritated skin is only half of the conundrum, the other half is figuring out how to actually fix it—unless you enjoy redness, itching and flaking skin.
According to Dr De Cruz, he believes that the best way to repair a damaged skin barrier is to pack away your extravagant beauty products and reach for the basics instead, until you're healed.
"The best way to soothe and repair a damaged skin barrier is to use basic, soap-free cleansers that are pH-balanced and rich in the natural lipids that are found in the skin," he advises.
"Ingredients such as a ceramides, niacinamide, shea butter and colloidal oatmeal have been proven clinically to repair a damaged skin barrier and are found in products, such as the Dermal Therapy eczema range."
What are our picks? Well, if our barriers were in need of some serious rest and relaxation, we'd immediately reach for Dermal Therapy's Very Dry Face Cream, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser and Ultra Violette's Queen Screen SPF 50+ for ultimate protection.
Very Dry Face Cream by Dermal Therapy, $18.99 at Dermal Therapy.
Hydrating Cleaner by CeraVe, $19.99 at Adore Beauty.
Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum by Ultra Violette, $47 at Adore Beauty.
How can I protect my skin barrier for being damaged in the future?
Speaking of protection, while repairing a damaged barrier is essential, it's just as important to keep your complexion happy all year round.
"Keeping your skin care routine simple and appropriate is the best way to protect our skin barrier. There is no need for a thousand-step routine," Dr De Cruz says.
He continued, "Simply use a basic, hydrating cleanser, moisturising lotion, or cream, and SPF50+ on a daily basis to keep the skin barrier healthy and intact. Australia's very own Dermal Therapy have a great range that suit most sensitive skin types and can be applied regularly without causing irritation."
But of course, if you're itching (no pun intended) to dust off your favourite 'active' skincare product, but are worried about unleashing angry skin, Dr De Cruz advises you to take it one step at a time.
"Any ‘active’ skin care ingredients should be used gently and slowly, and introduced one at a time, to prevent the skin from being over-whelmed," he explains. "Exfoliation in particular should only be undertaken once or twice per week, with gentle products, in people who genuinely need to exfoliate above the skin’s normal processes (e.g. people who suffer from acne or keratosis pilaris)."
So, there you have it. If your skin has been waking up on the wrong side of the bed for the last little while, it could be that she's trying to send you a message. And if that's the case, then it's time to get repairing.