Dermal Barrier 101: What it is and why you should care

April 27, 2023

What is your dermal barrier?

Your dermal barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, and it's essential for protecting your skin from environmental stressors, retaining moisture, and keeping harmful substances out. But why is it so important to keep it intact? For one, a healthy barrier means better moisture retention. When it's damaged, moisture can escape more easily, leading to dry, dull skin. In contrast, maintaining a healthy dermal barrier helps ensure that your skin stays hydrated and plump, providing that coveted glow. Studies have shown that people with healthy dermal barriers have better skin hydration and fewer signs of aging. So if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, taking care of your dermal barrier should be a top priority.  That's also why the first step we often take when seeing you in clinic we may suggest taking steps to repair the dermal barrier before moving on to other corrective measures to get to you skin goals.

How can I repair my dermal barrier at home?

The good news is that there are several steps you can take at home to support your dermal barrier and maintain healthy, glowing skin. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Avoid OVER-exfoliating: While exfoliating can be great for sloughing off dead skin cells, doing it too often can damage your skin's barrier. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week, and ensure that you’re using a formula that is safe for your particular skin condition. Over-exfoliation or using the wrong type of exfoliator for your skin can strip away the natural oils and lipids that make up your skin's barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable to damage and dehydration.
2. Choose products that support your skin's barrier: Look for ingredients like ceramides, which are naturally found in your skin and help to form a protective barrier, and niacinamide, which can help strengthen your skin's barrier and reduce inflammation. One study found that a cream containing niacinamide was able to improve the barrier function of the skin.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants can help support your skin's barrier function, while getting enough sleep and managing stress can also help keep your skin healthy and glowing. In fact, stress can negatively impact the function of the skin barrier, leading to increased water loss and reduced hydration levels.

By taking these steps to support your dermal barrier, you can help maintain healthy, glowing skin and protect it from the effects of environmental stressors. While anti-aging products can be beneficial for your skin, it's important to remember that maintaining a healthy dermal barrier is the foundation of any good skincare routine. Without a strong barrier, anti-aging products can only do so much. So, if your end goal is to achieve healthy, glowing skin, remember to prioritize your dermal barrier. Your skin (and your skin expert) will thank you for it!

Xoxo,

Jen + the VSBC team

Also in SKINFO