Let’s get straight to the point. Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a shield for your skin. The skin barrier is a complex network of lipids, proteins and cells that work together to keep your skin hydrated, protected and healthy. 

The skin barrier is made up of several components such as lipids, proteins, NMFs (Natural Moisturizing Factors) and Corneocytes (dead skin cells.) ALL of these things are essential to having a healthy skin barrier. Healthy skin will work as a shield to protect you against environmental stressors such as sun damage, it will prevent water loss, defend against irritants and be able to repair itself easily. 

Nothing feels better than having your skin feel squeaky clean, but be aware just because your skin feels this way does not necessarily mean your are benefiting your skin. If you noticed, part of what makes up the skin barrier are corneocytes also known as dead skin cells. Many of us have thought (me included) that we need to get rid of the dead skin cells to reveal the newer and fresher skin underneath. Performing exfoliation on the skin is not always a bad thing, but be careful, because too much exfoliation will weaken your skin barrier causing further damage. 

Western skincare is obsessed with over exfoliating the skin. Many times skin care routines include cleansers with AHAs and BHAs, which are exfoliants. They may also have mechanical exfoliants, such as a scrub. Finally, some believe they are deeply cleaning their skin with a cleansing brush. These cleansers by themselves are not bad things, but if you are using these types of cleansers everyday and then on top of that adding actives such as retinols or vitamin C serums, your poor skin is suffering from over-exfoliation. When your skin is over-exfoliated  the integrity of your skin barrier will break down and not do its job properly. I see so many clients that tell me that their skin is sensitive to everything. Some even claim that using the most gentle moisturizer causes their skin to burn. This reaction from your skin is reflecting a weak skin barrier. There are other factors that can cause the skin barrier to break down, such as environmental stressors, age, hormones and genetics. 

If you are suffering from extremely sensitive skin, here are some things you can do to strengthen your skin’s barrier. 

1.) Use gentle cleansers. Your want your cleanser to clean away dirt and oil, but not strip your skin.

2.) Moisturize. Always use a rich hydrating moisturizer to replenish and support the lipid barrier in your skin. 

3.) Apply SPF. No it does not count if you have SPF in a makeup or product. You should always apply an SPF by itself. SPF should be applied everyday, even if it is cloudy outside or you work inside, always reapply throughout the day especially if you are doing something outdoors. 

4.) Don’t over exfoliate. Exfoliate sparingly. If you want to try a chemical peel, look for a chemical peel with a high pH. Korean peels have high pHs so they are effective but gentle at the same time. 

5.) Incorporate Barrier repairing products. Look for products with ceramides, fatty acids and NMFs, to help repair and strengthen your barrier. 

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense, that is why it is so important to treat it with love and take care of it.