The skin barrier, also known as the cutaneous barrier, refers to the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. It is a complex structure composed of specialized skin cells, lipids, and proteins that work together to protect the underlying tissues and organs from the external environment.

The primary function of the skin barrier is to act as a physical and chemical barrier, preventing the loss of water and essential substances from the body and blocking the entry of harmful substances, pathogens, and allergens. It also helps maintain the optimal hydration of the skin by regulating the movement of water in and out of the skin.

When the skin barrier is impaired, it can lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, sensitivity, and susceptibility to infections or irritants. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is important for overall skin health. Practices like using a gentle cleanser, avoiding excessive exfoliation, moisturizing regularly, and protecting the skin from harsh environmental factors can help keep your skin barrier healthy. 

We get it — there’s nothing worse than that flaky, irritated skin. The Skin Barrier Starter Kit has everything you need to bring that skin barrier back to life! With research-backed products to restore skin barrier, you can give your skin the TLC it needs. And the best part is, this advanced barrier repair skincare kit gets your skin back on track and helps maintain that healthy, hydrated glow! 

Lots of things can affect your skin’s health, from environmental factors to choosing the wrong products for skin barrier repair. Let’s look at the most common causes of a damaged skin barrier: 

• Harsh Cleansers and Soaps: Using cleansers and soaps that are too harsh or contain high levels of detergents can strip away the natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier. That’s why opting for an advanced barrier repair skincare set with gentle, hydrating formulas is the best option.  
• Over-Exfoliation: Excessive exfoliation, whether physical or chemical, can remove the outer layer of the skin, leading to a weakened barrier.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, dry air, wind, and low humidity can deplete the moisture content in the skin, causing dryness and compromising the barrier function.
• Irritants: Contact with irritants like certain chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or even some skincare products can disrupt the skin barrier and cause inflammation.
• Allergens: Allergic reactions to certain substances, such as certain skincare ingredients or environmental allergens like pollen or pet dander, can trigger an immune response and compromise the skin barrier.
• Overuse of Hot Water: Frequent or prolonged exposure to hot water during showers or baths can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and barrier damage.
• Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dermatitis can weaken the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to damage and irritation.
• Age and Hormonal Changes: As we age, the skin barrier naturally becomes thinner and more fragile. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menopause, can also affect the skin barrier function.
• Overuse of Topical Medications: Prolonged or excessive use of certain topical medications, such as corticosteroids, can disrupt the skin barrier if not used under proper guidance.

While it’s easy to stop using hot water or over-exfoliating, some of these factors are outside of our control. That’s where skin barrier repair products can work wonders! With in-depth research and specially-formulated barrier repair skincare products from Dr. Sethi, you can target the root cause of the problem and get that glow back in no time.

Choosing the best products to repair the skin barrier will have a major impact, but your skin is a complicated thing. In addition to barrier repair skincare, there are healthy habits and lifestyle changes you can make. To learn more, check out our blog post about how to repair the skin barrier!