Skincare for a Healthy Skin Barrier
What is the Skin Barrier?:
The skin is our body's largest organ and acts as a protective barrier against the external environment. A key components of this barrier is the skin's outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum serves as a protective layer to prevent water loss and shield against harmful substances from the outside world. This layer is especially important on the face, as the face is more vulnerable to damage due to its delicate nature and increased exposure to outside elements. The skin's barrier function is critical to maintaining healthy skin, and any disruption can lead to various skin problems, including dryness, premature aging, irritation, and breakouts.
How Conventional Skincare Products affect the Barrier:
The face's skin barrier can be compromised by a variety of factors, including harsh weather conditions, exposure to pollution and UV rays, and the use of certain skincare products. Several chemicals commonly found in skincare products can damage the barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, inflammation, and breakouts. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Sulfates: Sulfates are harsh detergents that are often found in facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoos. They can strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a common ingredient in toners and astringents. It can be very drying and irritating to the skin, especially if used in high concentrations.
Fragrance: Fragrance is added to many skincare products to make them smell pleasant. However, fragrances can be very irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Acids: Acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are often used in exfoliating products to help remove dead skin cells, but overuse can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
Often times, when we experience a blemish or breakout, we want it gone as soon as possible. A large majority of treatments on the market are packed with a concentration of the chemicals mentioned above. While the treatment may assist in quickly drying out the blemish; the surrounding skin barrier is also impacted. Damage to the barrier caused by the use of harsh, drying ingredients also makes the skin more susceptible to additional breakouts and blemishes, as the skin is unable to fully protect itself against outside elements and bacteria.
To maintain a healthy skin barrier, it is essential to use skincare products that help to support the skin's natural barrier function. That’s where the Skin Perfecting Elixir steps into the spotlight.
The S.S. Skincare Skin Perfecting Elixir:
Upon applying the Skin Perfecting Elixir, effective botanical ingredients are delivered to the skin in a carrier of pure, organic aloe-vera leaf juice. This means that your skin concerns are addressed, without damage to your skin barrier, and while promoting a healthier barrier for better defense against future breakouts.
Aloe vera, a key component in our formula, has long been known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions. Here are some of the ways that aloe vera can help protect the skin barrier on your face:
Aloe vera contains compounds such as polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, these compounds can help to reduce inflammation and redness, which can help to prevent damage to the skin barrier.
Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin with its high concentration of water, as well as other nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This hydration is essential to keep the skin barrier healthy and functioning properly.
Aloe vera contains compounds such as aloin and aloesin, which have been shown to have photoprotective properties: compounds that help to protect the skin from UV damage.
Aloe vera can help to improve skin elasticity. As we age, the skin can become less elastic, which can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Aloe vera contains compounds such as anthraquinones, shown to improve skin elasticity.
When it comes to choosing products that treat your skin concerns, it is important to evaluate how they will affect the skin’s moisture barrier. You’ll want to avoid products that contain the harsh chemicals mentioned above, and opt for products rich in plant-based, moisturizing and replenishing ingredients. Shop S.S. Skincare’s natural, aloe vera based elixir for a healthy skin barrier and reduced future breakouts!
