What Hurts Your Skin Barrier And How To Protect It?

Your skin is made of many layers, each of which serves an essential purpose.

The outermost layer of your skin is called the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier to preserve and protect your body from the outside world.

However, this barrier can be damaged by a number of things, including environmental stressors or microorganisms. When this happens, your skin becomes vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. It also means that pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can more easily enter your body through your skin.

So, what exactly hurts your skin barrier?

Threats To Your Skin Barrier

There are several things that can damage your skin barrier. Many of these are external factors in your environment and things that you put on your skin. Other factors may be internal, such as your diet or health conditions.

Common threats to your skin barrier include:

  • a dry environment
  • too humid of an environment
  • excessive washing
  • harsh soaps and detergents
  • irritating or corrosive chemicals
  • sun exposure
  • stress
  • steroids
  • dermatitis or eczema
  • psoriasis
  • vitamin deficiency

You’ll know that your skin barrier is damaged if you notice:

  • dry skin
  • scaly or rough texture
  • itchiness
  • oversensitivity
  • inflammation or swelling
  • discoloration
  • acne
  • blisters
  • cracks

If you have any of these symptoms, you’ll need to protect your skin barrier before it worsens.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Skin Barrier?

Fortunately, you can do several things to protect your skin barrier and keep your skin healthy. This generally involves improving or simplifying your daily skincare routine, using products that are specifically designed to support your skin barrier, and avoiding things that can damage your skin.

Here are a few tips:

  • Moisturize regularly
  • Try plant oils or vitamin-fortified lotions
  • Avoid excessive scrubbing, harsh soaps, and detergents
  • Remove makeup before going to bed
  • Stop using any products that irritate your skin
  • Wear sunscreen every day
  • Limit your time in the sun
  • Don’t smoke
  • Manage stress
  • Drink more water
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Install a humidifier if your home is dry
  • Install a dehumidifier if your home is too humid
  • Close your windows if the outside air is dusty or polluted

See a dermatologist or your primary care physician if you have any concerns.

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the outside world, so it’s important to take care of it. Following these tips can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.