Skin: My skin is ok, but it could be better...Here's what could be the culprit:
Also know as, “I drink water all the time, why is my skin SO DRY?!?!?
Get to know: YOUR SKIN BARRIER
💧What is it?
Skin barrier, epidermal barrier, stratum corneum barrier, or even lipid barrier are all terms for the same thing. The epidermis, the more superficial layer of our skin, is made up of four layers (five for thick skin like your palms) with the top most being the stratum corneum and the skin barrier is part of that. The “brick and mortar” will be the model to describe the skin barrier.
The “bricks” in this analogy are skin cells called corneocytes and the “mortar” would be the lipids that fit between these cells and make things nice and water tight. If the skin barrier is working well, it will retain moisture within the skin and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) will be minimal. However, if skin barrier function is impaired whether by over exfoliation, lipid depletion, etc., then you’ll have more water loss and the skin will be dehydrated (lack of water) and dry (lack of oil). Dryness and dehydration are often described as separate concerns, but it’s important to note that dehydration is included in the medical literature in regards to dry skin (xerosis) and if epidermal surface lipids are depleted or not properly organized, then dehydration will likely occur regardless.
💧Can only dry or dehydrated skin have less than optimal barrier function?
Not at all. Oily skin is often caused by the amount of sebum secreted by sebaceous glands and the rate is often influenced by hormones and other internal factors. While sebaceous lipids do end up on the surface of the skin and contribute to waterproofing, it’s the skin lipids produced on the surface of the skin by keratinocytes that directly impact skin barrier function. Ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids are some examples of lipids critical to the skin barrier and that’s why using a topical product containing the right ratio and concentration of them can help replace lost lipids and help barrier function. Interestingly enough, dry skin is not necessarily a result of lack of sebum production and oily skin can be dehydrated.
💧What can have an impact on skin barrier function?
Harsh detergents from inferior,mass produced (harsh additives and fillers) products and unforgiving weather can strip moisture and lipids from the skin. Over exfoliation can also impact skin barrier function and result in increased TEWL. This is perfectly fine if it’s the regulated treatment of microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, but regular over-exfoliation can take longer to address. Another factor to consider is not only the mildness of cleansers detergents, but their PH level as maintaining skin surface PH is critical to skin barrier health as well as that of the skin’s microflora.
💧What are some signs of a compromised skin barrier?
Tight and/or shiny appearance to the skin, dehydration, and stinging while applying your regular skin care are some common signs.
💧What ingredients have potential to help your skin barrier and dry or compromised skin?
Ceramides, cholesterol, phytosterols, phytosphingosine, phospholipids, free fatty acids (particularly linoleic acid, found alone or in high LA oils like sunflower), niacinamide, urea, allantoin, panthenol, and natural moisturizing factors like amino acids, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and sodium PCA are all great.
Be mindful of potentially irritating actives like retinoids, BP, hydroquinone, exfoliants, etc until your skin is healthy again. ***Ingredients in bold type are found in many Naturopathica products carried by L-T Wellness.
L-T Wellness has the right stuff to correct and repair barrier functions as well as many other skin concerns. Naturopathica at L-T wellness has the appropriate tools for various skin types and conditions. Here’s a reference for what you should use to replace what’s lost in your particular skin type.
***Note: Anti-Aging is a Skin Correction aspect of skin care than can be easily integrated in your skin types at home regimen. When you receive a skin analysis during your facial service, you will be shown specifically how to incorporate these products easily and safely. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SELF DIAGNOSE WHAT YOU NEED WITHOUT GETTING YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION!!! There are many variation with the skin and other products that are not Naturopathica and getting the right guidance will deliver the most pleasing results!!!
Normal Skin Type:
Cleanser: Aloe Cleansing Gel (gentle & calming foaming gel geared for more normal to oily skin types)
3-in-1 Cleanser, Scrub & Mask: Oat Cleansing Facial Polish (soothing Oats & exfoliating Jojoba beads) Hydrating Mist: Oat and Calendula Soothing Jelly Mist (use post cleansing and throughout the day to rehydrate & restore)
Daily AM Serum: Vitamin C 15 Wrinkle Repair Serum (Strong antioxidant, skin tone & texture, collagen & elastin repair)
AM Brightening Brightening Treatment Serum: N. Poeticus & French Algae Brightening Essence (evens skin tone, brightens complexion, reduces dark spots)
Nightly Wrinkle Fighting Treatment Serum: Hoiy Basil & Retinol Ageless Night Oil (corrects fine lines & wrinkles, pigmentation)
30 night on 90 night off Treatment: Plant Stem Cell Booster Serum (collagen synthesis, hydration, EFAs, antioxidants, capillary wall, firming, plumping, antioxidant)
Daily Wrinkle Fighting Moisturizer AM: Argan & Peptide Wrinkle Remedy Water Cream (peptides that firm, lift and improve fine lines)
Nightly Wrinkle Fighting Moisturizer PM: Argan & Retinol Advanced Wrinkle Remedy Night Gel Cream (smoothes, firms & lifts, peptides, vitamin A)
Daily Eye and Lip area AM: Argan & Peptide Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream (reduces puffiness, fine lines & wrinkles, lifts & improves elasticity)
Nightly Eye and Lip area PM: Passion Fruit and Retinol Ageless Eye Serum (fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, soothing & wrinkle fighting)
Oily/Acneic Skin Type:
Cleanser: Aloe Cleansing Gel (gentle foaming gel geared for more normal to oily skin types)
Balancing Mist: (not a toner, toners can be too stripping) Lavender Honey Balancing Mist (soothing & relaxing antiseptic)
Enzyme Peel: Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel (reduces blackheads, AHAs, antiseptic, antioxidant, vitamin A for reducing acne and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
The skin care world is ever changing, so always check in with L-T Wellness if your skin is not feeling it’s best! Skin can change and the products we use for it sometimes needs be slightly tweaked. Spring/Summer versus Fall/Winter, illness, hormonal changes are all perfect examples. So don’t wonder, reach out!
