What Is The Moisture Barrier Made Of?
Your skin's moisture barrier contains a range of natural oils, fatty acids, ceramides, and proteins that all work together to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the environment. These fats act as the "mortar" that surrounds skin cell "bricks" called corneocytes. Lipids act as an emollient, keeping your skin soft, elastic, and hydrated.
How Does The Moisture Barrier Get Damaged?
When the skin's moisture barrier is damaged, it can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Without a strong barrier to protect your skin, the skin can become vulnerable to harsh environmental stressors, resulting in signs of premature aging, including wrinkles and dark spots. In addition, without the barrier to protect it, your skin may be more prone to breakouts, leaving it looking dull and uneven. It's important to repair the skin's moisture barrier as soon as possible to protect your skin and keep it looking its best.
A variety of things, including sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and air pollution, can damage the skin's moisture barrier. UV rays can weaken the barrier, leaving your skin dry and vulnerable to the environment. Harsh skincare products, such as certain cleansers and scrubs, can strip away natural oils, making it more difficult for the barrier to keep out irritants. Air pollution can irritate the skin and break down the barrier, resulting in dry, irritated skin. Additionally, smoking, a lack of sleep, and a poor diet can also damage the moisture barrier.