Damaged skin barrier Repair damaged skin barrier

The skin barrier is a protective structure constructed by the stratum corneum and the sebum membrane, which is of great significance in protecting the skin. Simply put, the skin barrier is: stratum corneum + sebum membrane structure. But in fact, the skin barrier is a very complex structure, which we can compare to a brick wall + cement + paint structure.

How to repair damaged skin barrier

Brick wall: keratinocytes connected by desmosomes

Cement: intercellular matrix

Coating: Sebum film

What functions does the skin barrier have?

Protective function: The skin barrier is composed of the stratum corneum and the sebum membrane. The sebum membrane is weakly acidic, which can buffer physical and chemical stimulation, and can also effectively inhibit bacterial growth. It also blocks bacteria, viruses, and fungi from damaging the skin.

Moisture-locking function: The biggest advantage of the skin barrier is that it can lock in moisture and prevent moisture evaporation, thereby achieving the function of retaining moisture.

What problems can a damaged skin barrier cause?

Damaged skin barrier can cause too many problems, so we can simply list them.

Sensitivity: Because the barrier is damaged, the skin is in direct contact with adverse external factors, which increases the skin's sensitivity and reduces its tolerance. Therefore, even the slightest stimulation will cause problems such as redness, itching, and stinging.

Dryness: A damaged skin barrier is equivalent to opening a skylight on the skin, allowing moisture to evaporate unscrupulously, which will naturally cause dryness, desquamation, tightness and other phenomena.

Pigmentation or hyperpigmentation: When local skin is damaged, corresponding inflammation will occur, which will stimulate the local melanocytes to become overactive, resulting in pigmentation or pigmentation. Local inflammation will also consume the metallothionein in the bottom layer of the skin, causing over-oxidation of the skin and over-activity of melanin, resulting in darkening of color, hyperpigmentation, chloasma and other problems.