Your Skin's Protector — The Lipid Barrier
In my practice I have found that nearly every person who walks in my treatment room has an impaired lipid barrier. Lipids are the natural fatty oils your skin produces; this barrier is found on the outermost layer of your epidermis (stratum corneum) and is the protective shield that keeps hydration in and external stressors — pollution, bacteria, allergens, etc.— out. Some signs of an impaired lipid barrier can include: redness, irritation, an uncomfortable tight and/or itchy feeling on your face, stubborn acne, and sensitivity. If you are experiencing any of these signs, this may be your skin telling you it needs some TLC. But what can be causing your impaired lipid barrier? Some of the common culprits can be (however not limited to): harsh weather conditions, over-exfoliation, stripping ingredients in skincare products, using the incorrect skincare product for what your skin needs, and diet/water intake. So what can you do to heal your lipid barrier?
Adjust your skincare per season; during winters invest in an oil-rich moisturizer to protect your skin from the dry air.
Wear sun protection year round; using a zinc oxide sunscreen will help block out heat, give you full UV protection, and help ease redness.
Throw out that apricot scrub, this is too harsh for the skin on your face and can create micro-tears; invest in an exfoliator that either uses cornmeal, enzymes or a mild chemical exfoliation. Unless directed otherwise, most exfoliators are recommended to be used 2-3 times a week.
Avoid cleansers that contain irritating and stripping ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Use a cleanser that contains skin-boosting ingredients that provide antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating benefits.
Hydrate your skin inside and out. It is typically recommended to drink about 64 ounces of water daily -- but with every cup of coffee you drink, one cup of water is needed to re-hydrate. Did you know that our skin is the largest organ on our body, but it is the last organ to receive water? That is why it is crucial to hydrate your skin with water-boosting ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid, aloe vera, stonecrop, and squalane.
Visit a licensed esthetician to talk about your concerns and goals; they can help guide you on the right path to healthy skin.
V’s Skin Studio
Valerie Heinz, Licensed Esthetician & Owner