The only barrier not to break
A properly functioning skin barrier is essential for healthy skin. While it protects from different types of external threats, such as harmful substances, UV light, pathogens, it also helps prevent the escape of precious water. A compromised skin barrier leads to a loss of hydration and enables allergens and irritants to penetrate and trigger inflammation. To maintain its structure, your skin engages a number of natural mechanisms to attract and keep water in.
Lipid Barrier
The structure of the outer skin looks like a wall and is arranged in a “brick and mortar” pattern. Skin cells (“bricks”) are embedded in a lipid-oil medium (“mortar”), organized into specific layers (called lamellar structures). These layers are composed of lipids, such as fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acid), ceramides, and cholesterol. The skin “wall” prevents water from escaping and makes it difficult for chemicals, allergens, and pathogens to enter.
Skin NMF
One of the most important systems in the skin is the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) which is composed of water-attracting molecules such as hyaluronic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), lactic acid, urea, and free amino acids. The NMF components are highly efficient moisturisers that bind water, drawing it into the skin cells. The right skin hydration level provides the right environment for healthy microflora balance.
Skin Sebum
Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands and forms a natural film over the top of the skin. It consists of triglycerides, waxes, squalene, and cholesterol. Vegetable oils and butters match that composition perfectly! The good bacteria (commensal microbiome) feed on skin sebum, producing free fatty acids and glycerol (known as glycerin) as a result. Free fatty acids maintain the right skin pH (around 5-5.5), and glycerin further increases skin moisturisation.
Advanced approach
It is very clear how the skin microbiome and barrier work together to keep skin healthy, and it’s crucial to simultaneously support both for maximum benefits. Advanced moisturizers aim to go beyond the mechanisms of just simple moisturisation, and that is what we do. Skinmimetic approach involves applying the skin own’s NMF and lipid components, as well as the application of lamellar structures similar to the skin surface, to restore skin barrier function. Read more about our Skin Identical approach HERE.