The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, also known as the stratum corneum, which protects the body from environmental stressors and irritants. It is made up of corneocytes, which are special skin cells held in place with a combination of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol. The skin barrier is selectively permeable, meaning it allows good things in and bad things out, and it also protects against water loss.
There are several ingredients that can help to repair and maintain the skin barrier. These include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, oat beta glucan, allantoin, panthenol, and ethyl. On the other hand, some skincare products can damage the skin barrier, such as those that contain retinoid acid, hydroxy acids, amino fruit acids, and beta hydroxy acids.
A study found that subjects with skin patch test positive to skin care products had higher transepidermal water loss rates (TEWL) compared to those who tested negative. This suggests that some skincare products can damage the skin barrier and lead to increased water loss.
Overall, it is important to maintain a healthy skin barrier to keep the skin protected and hydrated. This can be achieved through a skincare regimen that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing ingredients, and avoiding products that can damage the skin barrier.
