The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier | by Dacia Adamczyk
Although we can ’ t see it with the naked eye , damage to the skin starts at the cellular level .
Sensitivity and Redness Sensitivity and redness are typically the first visible and tangible signs of an impaired barrier . Remember that sensitive skin is a skin type , usually genetically inherited , while sensitized skin is self-inflicted , usually due to factors like incorrect product use , excessive exfoliation or UV exposure , allergies , and exposure to harsh elements . Whether skin is sensitive or sensitized , it has lost its ability to protect itself from outside aggressors , and the result is skin that is dry , rough , itchy , reactive , and more prone to erythema ( redness ), inflammation , and rashes .
Acne In the case of acne , many people ’ s initial reaction is to dry it out or scrub it away , but this is the biggest mistake you can make . By drying , scrubbing , and stripping the skin of its natural protective barrier , you are creating an environment that will only exacerbate inflammation , making the acne worse and damaging the surrounding tissue in the process .
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation You have likely heard of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( PIH ), which can form as a response to inflammation in the skin from triggers such as cuts , burns , acne lesions , and more . Skin with an impaired barrier is much more susceptible to injury and inflammation , and has decreased wound healing ability , making it the perfect environment for scarring and pigment issues . By keeping your barrier healthy and strong , you will reduce the occurrence of PIH . It is important for clients struggling with PIH to understand that the cause of the hyperpigmentation must be controlled prior to tackling the hyperpigmentation itself .
Premature Aging We know that inflammation is directly linked to an impaired barrier . Premature aging caused by chronic inflammation is sometimes described as “ inflammaging .” This process may not be as visible as other skin conditions such as acne , redness , or pigmentation since it happens slowly over time . Any tissue damage causes inflammation . Inflammation is known to accelerate the signs of aging throughout the entire body but is especially noticeable on the skin since it is constantly exposed to external aggressors like UV damage , smoke , and pollution . These aggressors “ [...] damage the DNA and proteins in our skin cells and activate pro-inflammatory pathways . These pathways lead to the expression of a whole array of harmful molecules , such as reactive oxygen species and tissue-degrading proteins ,
52 iS Skin Source