What is a Skin Barrier?
The Skin Barrier
Often called the “stratum corneum,” is the name given to the top layer of the skin. Under a microscope, the skin barrier, when healthy, looks like a brick wall. The “bricks,” called corneocytes, are the dead skin cells in the stratum corneum. They are held in place by something like a “mortar.” This “mortar” is made up of a lipid bilayer and moisture.The lipid bilayer is so named because it is composed of two layers of fatty acids. Its role is to help “lock” moisture in the skin. The accompanying illustration is an artistic representation of the spatial relationship between the lipid bilayer and corneocytes.
Corneocytes, Lipids and Skin Cells
You now know that the top layer of the skin is partially made up of corneocytes. Not surprisingly, then, each time you wash, scrub, or use certain cleansers and soaps, you remove corneocytes and lipids. That’s why it’s crucial to provide the raw materials to rebuild the lipid bilayer and keep the “bricks” close together. These tightly packed “bricks” help restore the skin’s natural protective function.So, what are the raw materials that rebuild the lipid bilayer? There are three types of lipids that combine to form the lipid bilayer. They are ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acid esters. Each of these lipids has the ability to both attract and repel water. When working together these lipids alternate between bringing moisture in and keeping moisture out of the skin.
My Skin Barrier has Enemies?
Many “enemies” can weaken the skin barrier, including:
- Exposure to sun, wind and low humidity
- Use of soaps or harsh cleansers
- A history of dry skin in your family
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
- Certain medications that can dry the skin, such as those for eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea
- Age (the skin naturally loses its ability to maintain its moisture levels as we get older)
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