Great Barrier Relief
Have you heard of your skin barrier but not really sure what it is or how to take care of yours? Here’s everything you need to know about this important part of your skin and how you can nourish your skin’s natural balance.
What is your skin barrier?
Your skin barrier is responsible for protecting your skin and acts as a protective shield from damage, pollution and environmental stress. It helps to keep your skin hydrated and in balance, thanks to the billions of tiny microbes that live on your skin who work in harmony to keep your skin functioning. They work with your immune system and as well as protecting the skin they help to manage inflammation and even have a say in how products are absorbed into your skin.
This is key when it comes to inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema and rosacea, or sensitive skin. It might not be that you have sensitive skin at all, it might be that your skin barrier has been damaged and your skin is completely out of balance.
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged?
Your skin barrier is the result of thousands of years of human evolution. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, your skincare routine, medication and even your home can affect your skin barrier and its natural microbiome. Things like pollution, over exfoliating your skin, harsh chemicals, hot showers and antibiotics can all change how your skin barrier works.
A damaged skin barrier is associated with many health conditions, including psoriasis, allergies, eczema, contact dermatitis, acne, poor wound healing, skin ulcers, dandruff, yeast and fungal infections, rosacea and even signs of premature ageing.
So how do you know if your skin barrier is damaged? You’ll probably have irritated and itchy skin that might look dehydrated, dull or inflamed. Infections, delayed wound healing and hyperpigmentation can also indicate damage. Rosacea and eczema outbreaks are also a sign that your skin barrier isn’t doing what it needs to - these are often down to a genetic defect in your skin barrier but extra damage can cause flare ups.
How to nourish and heal your skin barrier
If your skin barrier has been damaged, then getting it back in balance takes a little time and TLC. You need to strip back your skincare routine, skip any harsh ingredients and focus on soothing, nourishing and rebalancing your skin barrier. Until you’re back in skin balance and your barrier is replenished your skin won’t feel or look its best so focusing on repair is a really important step.
The Glowcery Tomato Tonic Fragrance-Free Superfood Serum was created especially for skin that’s sensitive and irritated. It’s fragrance free and uses calming, nourishing ingredients to help support the skin’s natural barrier. Pumpkin and flaxseed oils moisturise and restore skin health, soothing tight, red and irritated skin while plant-based ingredients like hydrating red raspberry, softening watermelon and brightening pomegranate oil help to smooth texture, calm redness and nourish even the most sensitive skin types (minus the dreaded burn).