What is the skin barrier and why is it so important?
The skin barrier is the uppermost layer of the skin. It consists of a combination of
- Horn cells,
- lipids
- and natural moisturizing factors.
A functioning skin barrier prevents the penetration of harmful substances such as
- Bacteria,
- Viruses
- and environmental toxins.
The skin's protective barrier also protects us from excessive fluid loss.
If the skin barrier is damaged, this can lead to a variety of skin problems. In addition to dry skin, redness to face, itching and an increased risk of infections, chronic diseases such as eczema or psoriasis can also be the result.
It is therefore always important to strengthen the skin barrier to Protect us from external attacks. In addition, an intact skin barrier ensures a healthy skin.
- radiant,
- vital appearance.
Expert tip: A conscious approach to the skin and the use of suitable care products helps to strengthen the skin's protective barrier and ensure its functionality.
How you can recognize a damaged skin barrier
A damaged skin barrier is often the result of environmental influences, inadequate care or aggressive products.
We have put together an overview of how you can recognize the need to Protect your skin barrier Protect
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Dry and flaky skin: If your skin is often dry and flaky, this could be a sign that the skin barrier is no longer working properly and is losing too much moisture.
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Redness and irritation: Persistent redness, itching or burning may indicate that the skin is more sensitive and reacts more strongly to external stimuli.
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Increased sensitivity: If your skin suddenly becomes more sensitive and reacts to products or environmental influences, this may be an indication of a damaged skin barrier.
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Irregular skin surface A rough or uneven skin surface may indicate that the skin barrier is no longer able to regenerate itself.
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Frequent skin problems: If you frequently suffer from acne, eczema or other skin conditions, this may be a sign that your skin can no longer Protect itself.
If you notice one or more signs of a damaged skin barrier, it is important to take appropriate measures to rebuild the skin barrier through proper care.
But of course it is best to take preventative measures before you notice any symptoms of a damaged skin barrier so that it doesn't happen in the first place.
What weakens your skin barrier: common causes
A broken skin barrier is usually the result of a combination of several factors. It is important to know the causes in order to effectively counteract a weakening of the skin barrier.
The most common reasons for a damaged skin barrier are
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Aggressive cleansing products: The use of irritating skin care products can destroy the natural skin barrier.
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Insufficient moisture: Inadequate hydration dries out the skin and can impair its protective function.
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Excessive sun exposure: UV rays can damage the skin and weaken the skin barrier, which can lead to premature skin ageing.
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Environmental factors: Pollutants, air pollution and extreme weather conditions attack the skin barrier and can impair its function.
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Stress: Chronic stress can also lead to inflammation and have a negative effect on the skin reaction.
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Unhealthy diet: An unbalanced or predominantly unhealthy diet can weaken the natural health of the skin.
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Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during the menopause or pregnancy, can destabilize the skin.
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Smoking: Nicotine damages the skin and can lead to a damaged skin barrier.
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Excessive peeling: Too frequent exfoliation irritates the skin and attacks the natural protective layer.
Take a closer look at your lifestyle and skincare habits. Do you find that some of the factors mentioned apply to you? If you make the right adjustments, you can do a lot yourself to strengthen your skin barrier again.
Our 9 expert tips to repair your skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier is crucial for the well-being of your skin. You can restore a damaged skin barrier yourself with a few changes.
Here are our 9 expert tips to repair your skin barrier:
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Gentle cleanserUse only mild cleansing products that do not dry out or irritate the skin.
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moisturizerUse particularly moisturizing products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Our HYALURON Concentrate can help to intensively and lastingly hydrate the skin and support its barrier function.
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Usesun screen dailyProtect your skin from harmful UV rays in all weathers with a broad-spectrum sunsun screen . For example with our Sun Cream Spf 50 or our Sun Fluid Spf 50+.
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Avoid excessive peeling Reduce the use of exfoliants and focus on gentle exfoliation with our AHA peelingto avoid putting additional stress on the skin.
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Healthy dietEat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats. Foods such as avocados, nuts and berries can support the skin from the inside.
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Hydration is importantDrink enough water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and can better Protect the skin barrier.
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Stress managementPractice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises to reduce stress.
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Avoid harmful habitsReduce or avoid habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption to prevent them from affecting your skin.
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Regular skin careIntegrate skin care products with soothing ingredients such as our ALOE VERA gel or our Ceramides serum into your daily skincare routine. These can soothe irritated skin and support the barrier function.