Improving Barrier Function

The focus of this module is on the skin’s delicate environment and how to improve/sustain proper skin barrier function.

The Importance of a Competent Barrier

The skin barrier (outermost layer of the skin, also known as the stratum corneum) is breached on a regular basis and the skin’s ability to efficiently repair the barrier is an essential component of healthy skin.

Unfortunately, individuals affected by various inflammatory skin conditions (such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and rosacea) are known to have significant defects in this important process [1, 2].

In the case of seborrheic dermatitis, most popular treatment approaches primarily focus on microbial/fungal reduction (anti-fungals and antibiotics) or immune response suppression (corticosteroids). However, perhaps focusing on restoration of the skin barrier may hold the most potential; as this approach may eliminate the need for treatments that technically focus on issues that occur only after initial barrier compromise.

Last module’s objectives actually focused on the outer most layer of the skin barrier (the acid mantel). In this module module we’re going a little deeper and the focus is on improvement of various other components of adequate skin barrier function.

Expected Outcomes

Maintaining adequate barrier function can lead to:

• Improved microbial resistance
• Reduced levels of local inflammation
• Reduced microbial/fungal (malassezia) activity
• Improved skin barrier function and stability
• Improved sebum production and composition

Additional Information

Understanding the skin barrier and finding ways to directly improve it’s function can bring quick improvements and can be highly rewarding.

Ideas to Improve Barrier Function

Barrier Repair Solutions

Finding a suitable barrier repair formulation can aid the natural repair process and resolve many of the underlying factors in inflammatory skin disease.

Utilizing Cold

Cold water may help reduce irritation potential of existing skin care regimens and temporarily mask the symptoms of skin barrier deficiencies.

Carbonated Water

The slightly acidic nature of carbonated water makes it a great candidate for improving barrier function and overall skin stability.

Factors to Consider

pH of Skin Care Formulations

Skin care products can effect the skin surface pH. Making sure the products you use are formulated to match the pH of healthy skin can help maintain natural barrier function and prevent disruption of the acid mantle.

Shifting Focus

Focusing on your skin issues can increase blood flow to the affected area and may be fueling the inflammation cycle. Shifting your focus away from the issue can reduce unncessary stress, reduce local inflamattion and result in more balanced blood flow to the area.

Ending Remarks

This is one of the final modules of the program. The next module is going to wrap things up and highlight some of the most important objectives covered throughout the program.