HYDRATION AND NUTRITION: HOW TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE SKIN’S BARRIER FUNCTION

By summecosmetics |

The skin maintains a fragile balance to display its healthiest state and its most optimal conditions. A thin hydrolipidic film protects its surface by acting as a skin barrier that regulates excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It also acts as a protective shield against external factors that constantly damage it.

Keep reading to find out what aggressive agents affect the skin’s barrier function, and our tips to protect and maintain it. We will list a few.

1. Excessive Use of Aggressive Cosmetic Products

We often use cosmetics that contain ingredients that can be too aggressive for our skin type, especially if we combine them or use them too frequently. These can leave our skin barrier damaged, exposed and vulnerable to external damage.

For example, the excessive use of chemical or physical exfoliants, overly strong cleansers or products with high levels of alcohol and fragrances, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and increased water loss.

2. Washing Frequently or with Very Hot Water

Frequent washing, especially with very hot water, can strip the skin of its natural oils, weakening its ability to retain moisture and protect itself from external aggressors.

It is best to opt for lukewarm water and, if you have dry or sensitive skin, reserve the use of cleansers only for nighttime washing, to remove pollution and products accumulated during the day.

3. Inadequate Sunscreen Use

UV radiation not only causes sunburn, but also damages the DNA of skin cells, compromising their ability to repair themselves. This accelerates the aging process and weakens the skin barrier, making it weaker against external aggressions.

Make sure you apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even when it’s cloudy or you don’t plan to be outside for long.

Want to know how much is enough? Remember the two-finger rule: to cover your face, you need to apply two lines of product, one that extends along the index finger and another along the entire middle finger.

4. Extreme Climate

Extreme weather conditions can also weaken our skin’s barrier function.

Cold, dry air reduces moisture in the stratum corneum, resulting in dry, flaky skin. On the other hand, heat and humidity can increase sweat and oil production, causing clogged pores and compromising the barrier function.

To counteract these effects, we recommend that you adapt your skincare routine to the weather, using more nourishing creams to cope with the cold, and opting for lighter products in hot weather.

5. Exposure to Environmental Contaminants

Air pollution, dust particles and chemicals in the environment can weaken the skin barrier, causing inflammation, premature aging and increased skin sensitivity.

 

NICELY: Guardians of the Barrier Function

Have you ever noticed your skin looking dull, tight or reactive? It is very likely that your skin barrier is compromised.

At summecosmetics we know that properly hydrated and nourished skin maintains over time its natural state of balance, comfort and calm, softness, flexibility and firmness, resistance… and becomes more receptive to any cosmetic treatment.

Providing hydration, nutrition, protection and comfort to the skin is vital to restore the hydrolipidic barrier to its optimal condition. That is why we want to introduce you to the guardians of the barrier function, the new best ally for the health of your skin: NICELY.

NICELY is the facial cosmetics line designed to preserve, stimulate and repair the skin’s hydronutrition mechanisms to promote the barrier function and stop unwanted responses resulting from a lack of hydration and skin nutrition, whether temporary or chronic, even in the most reactive and sensitized skin.

What are you waiting for? Click on this link to discover the full range of products, and visit your trusted summecosmetics center to restore well-being to your skin.