The lipid barrier is a naturally-ocurring barrier that consists of a mixture of oils and ceramides. Think of it as the ‘bouncer’ in your skin. It decides which ingredients to let in, and what to keep out. It makes the skin stonger, and the healthier it is, the more hydrated your skin will be, and the less irritated it gets.
It’s naturally acidic in its pH and this is to keep harmful bacteria and irritants out! When this barrier is weak or insufficient (which tends to be the case often with so many barrier-debilitating procedures such as strong peels, microdermabrasion, lasers, etc), it lends the skin to be more sensitized and more ‘reactive’ to products. It can also give way to more inflammation in the skin, which in turn accelerates aging, and increases the occurance of acne and pigmentation. (Click here to read more on inflammation)
This lipid barrier is very much influenced by diet, stress, hormones, prolonged exposure to water and cold, dry weather. If you live in a cold state or country, you know this first-hand.
Clients during winter-time in Colorado always have the same complaint: dryness.
This is due to the harsh, dry cold outdoors and then the heat inside every home
and business.
This constant fluctuation in temperature affects the fats that lubricate the skin
and begin breaking them down. Aside from this, it can cause the weakening and
breaking of small capillaries, causing redness and a ‘flushed’ look.
You are also more prone to developing wrinkles with dry skin.
What is Your Course of Action?
1. Your number one focus will be to rebuild and maintain a healthy barrier function
through a diet rich in fatty acids (in food and supplements), products that contain
the proper ingredients and sun protection. Remember: daily sun protection is a
must, especially if you live in high altitudes!
2. Avoid the use of scrubs. These are too harsh and can further break down your already weak lipid barrier.
3. Use serums that treat dryness and dehydration. Aside from being dry (your skin type), you’re also most likely dehydrated (your skin condition. These two typically go hand in hand because when you’re dry and lacking a stong lipid barrier, you don’t have anything to lock in moisture. In this case a serum will work on the hydration portion of your skin condition, and a moisturizer/cream will work on rebuilding lipid barrier function. Here are some ingredients to look for:
It’s naturally acidic in its pH and this is to keep harmful bacteria and irritants out! When this barrier is weak or insufficient (which tends to be the case often with so many barrier-debilitating procedures such as strong peels, microdermabrasion, lasers, etc), it lends the skin to be more sensitized and more ‘reactive’ to products. It can also give way to more inflammation in the skin, which in turn accelerates aging, and increases the occurance of acne and pigmentation. (Click here to read more on inflammation)
This lipid barrier is very much influenced by diet, stress, hormones, prolonged exposure to water and cold, dry weather. If you live in a cold state or country, you know this first-hand.
Clients during winter-time in Colorado always have the same complaint: dryness.
This is due to the harsh, dry cold outdoors and then the heat inside every home
and business.
This constant fluctuation in temperature affects the fats that lubricate the skin
and begin breaking them down. Aside from this, it can cause the weakening and
breaking of small capillaries, causing redness and a ‘flushed’ look.
You are also more prone to developing wrinkles with dry skin.
What is Your Course of Action?
1. Your number one focus will be to rebuild and maintain a healthy barrier function
through a diet rich in fatty acids (in food and supplements), products that contain
the proper ingredients and sun protection. Remember: daily sun protection is a
must, especially if you live in high altitudes!
2. Avoid the use of scrubs. These are too harsh and can further break down your already weak lipid barrier.
3. Use serums that treat dryness and dehydration. Aside from being dry (your skin type), you’re also most likely dehydrated (your skin condition. These two typically go hand in hand because when you’re dry and lacking a stong lipid barrier, you don’t have anything to lock in moisture. In this case a serum will work on the hydration portion of your skin condition, and a moisturizer/cream will work on rebuilding lipid barrier function. Here are some ingredients to look for:
- Aloe Vera
- Borage seed oil
- Ceramide
- Cholesterol
- Cocoa butter
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
- Dimethicone
- Evening primrose oil
- Glylcerin
- Jojoba oil
- Niacinamide
- Olive oil
- Safflower oil
- Shea butter
- Chamomile
- Cucumber
- Feverfew
- Green Tea
- Perilla leaf extract
- Pycnogenol
- Red Algae
- Red clover (trifolium pretense)
- Thyme
- Aloe Vera
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
- Evening primrose oil.
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