Protect the Barrier Function of Your Skin!
The selectively permeable skin barrier is the
topmost layer of the skin (so-called "dead skin layer"), which has a
tremendous role in protecting dehydration and variable environmental changes.
This layer contains cells without nuclei comprised
of keratin filaments sank in a lipid milieu of free cholesterol, cholesterol ionic
(sulfate cholesterol), ceramide, and other free fatty acids. The role of each
of the constituents of this layer is still an open question.
One thing is sure! Any modification in the
skin barrier's equilibrium may trigger different skin conditions such a
dryness, itchiness, or dermatitis.
Preservation of the skin barrier qualities
became a necessity these days when we encounter so many pollution sources
around us. To maintain a healthy and active skin barrier, you should moisturize
your skin daily. There are many essential qualities that a moisturizer has to
achieve to protect the skin barrier.
One of the essential qualities of a
moisturizer is to bring moisture and keep it there. For this purpose, every
moisturizer has to contain humectants, preferable natural, such as vegetable
glycerin. The glycerin can attract water and trigger the elasticity of the
skin.
Fatty acids, on the other hand, have a
significant role in retaining the moisture in. However, a high concentration of
fatty acids without any humectant in a skincare formulation increases the skin
barrier's sensitivity to different chemicals. For example, sodium lauryl
sulfate, a significant ingredient in synthetic cleansers, can easily penetrate
the skin barrier in the above conditions, leading to cell damage.
Some fatty acids are more important than
others in the strengthening of the skin barrier. For example, linoleic and
gamma linoleic acids, induce the biosynthesis of ceramide, a skin barrier
constituent that radically improves the barrier function.
Another quality for a well-formulated
moisturizer is sunscreen protection. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, Vitamin E,
or Coenzyme Q have an essential role in UV protection. However, for photoaging
damaged skin, these only ingredients are not sufficient to stop or reverse the
aging process. Vitamin A is also required to enhance the biosynthesis of the
new skin cells. On the other hand, too high concentration of vitamin A can
induce wrinkles.
In the regeneration process, the most upper layer of
the cells has to be removed periodically. The peeling procedure can rapidly
obtain the removal of the cells. The stronger the peeling method you choose,
the longer time is needed for the skin barrier to regenerate. By using a mild
peeling process, the removal of the cells is limited to some extent to those
cells ready to be shed. In this case, the regeneration naturally occurs. It is
not induced or forced; this keeps the upper skin layer protected.
In conclusion:
Don't rush for a moisturizer, which claims to
contain one extraordinary active ingredient!
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