Let’s Talk Impaired Barriers
Firstly, let’s start with what our skin barrier is and why it’s so important to glowing skin.
Your skin barrier is the small but mighty line of defence between your body and the outside world. Our modern lives can put our skin barrier under enormous pressure, with intense exposure to elements and toxins that put this protective barrier to the ultimate test. Stress, poor gut health and medications can all compromise our skin barrier.
The link between poor skin health and chronic stress is well documented, particularly in relation to the impact stress has on inflammatory conditions like dermatitis. Addressing this may mean easing off active ingredients and exfoliating agents until your skin re-strengthens and signs of sensitivity begin to clear. Essential fatty acids are known for their barrier-repairing capabilities – you can include these in your skincare routine in the form of jojoba, rosehip or squalene oils. You can also boost them in your diet through fish, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, sunflower and olive oils.
What happens to the skin when you over exfoliate? The microbiome (our skin’s ecosystem) becomes upset and skin becomes inflamed and itchy. So what do we do? We go back to basics and repair the barrier with soothing, hydrating products.
When thinking about skin health, we often focus solely on external appearance and overlook critical factors in our internal health. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and is intimately connected with many underlying processes and systems that can affect the appearance and function of our skin. Internal imbalances in the gut can lead to inflammation in the skin, dermatitis, rosacea, redness and breakouts.
It’s also crucial to understand the consequences of medication use on the gut microbiome. Commonly-used medications such as antibiotics and steroids can extensively alter the levels of healthy microbiome in the gut, compromising the skin’s barrier.
Our go-to treatment for barrier repair is none other than Our Lymphatic Therapy Facial by PRIN. Lymphatic Therapy works with our organ systems to increase blood circulation and promote detoxification, whilst transferring active, vitamin-rich plant extracts that make for healthy, glowing skin. We also stock a range of products to support the skin’s barrier from the inside out including Cosmedix Remedy, Omega Elixir and Glow from The Beauty Chef. All available to purchase in clinic or via The Skin Shop.
