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Our skin is the unsung hero of our body! It is the largest and most complex organ and forms the barrier between the chemical and physical elements of the external environment and our internal organs.
Skin is like a shield that protects us from the outside world so to fulfill its function properly we need to care for it and all of its beautifully intricate layers.
The most superficial layer of skin, the epidermis, is a really important part of the skin barrier. The epidermis forms an interface between the interior of the body and the environment and has the fundamental function of protection through some well-established physical, biochemical and biological systems.
In short, it keeps the nasties out and allows the good stuff in and vice versa!
Yet many are ignoring the vital role this superficial layer plays in the health of the skin and are instead peeling off the precious layers of the epidermis, removing natural oils with harsh face washes and soaps. In doing so they are unintentionally damaging the skin and causing premature ageing – the two things they set about to avoid!
So if we want our skin to glow we must preserve the integrity of the epidermis at all times!
But how do we do that?
Firstly by understanding the role each layer plays and then rethinking our approach to skincare products and treatments.
Picture the skin like a shield, protecting us from the outside world. The very outside layer of this shield as we have mentioned is the epidermis which is made up of five different layers – kind of like the layers of a cake.
Each layer has its own special job of keeping our skin healthy and protecting us on the inside.
1. The Stratum Corneum:
Think of this layer as the skin’s bodyguard. It’s packed with keratin and friendly bacteria that fend off bad stuff like germs and harmful rays from the sun.
2. The Stratum Lucidum
Found only on the palms and soles, this layer is like the skin’s protection, helping it withstand all the rubbing and friction it faces.
3. The Stratum Granulosum
This layer is our skin’s raincoat, keeping moisture in and making sure the skin stays soft and supple.
4. The Stratum Spinosum
Meet the army base of our skin! It’s where the immune cells hang out, ready to fight off any invaders trying to mess with the skin.
5. The Stratum Basale
This is where the magic happens – skin cells are born, grow, and repair themselves, it’s key to keeping our skin looking fresh and healthy.
Together these five layers of the epidermis form a dynamic and resilient barrier that protects our bodies from external threats, maintains hydration and supports overall skin health.
While each layer plays a unique role they all work together seamlessly to help keep skin replenished and glowing. But none of these layers work in isolation they support each other to keep the skin functioning at its best.
When we peel or wash away the skin surface with harsh products or soaps we not only lose the epidermal layers, but we also disrupt the other secret weapons our epidermis has its remit to aid the balance of our skin – the acid mantle and the corneocytes.
The acid mantle is a thin, protective layer that covers the surface of the skin. It’s made up of natural oils, sweat, and other substances secreted by the skin’s glands.
This layer forms a barrier that helps regulate moisture levels, protect against harmful microorganisms, and maintain the skin’s pH balance.
Corneocytes, on the other hand, are the specialised skin cells that make up the outermost part of the epidermis, the stratum corneum.
These cells are flat, tough, and filled with keratin, a protein that provides strength and protection to the skin. They play a crucial role in forming the skin’s barrier, preventing water loss, and defending against environmental damage, they are like tiny superheroes that protect your skin from harm and kickstart your immune system when trouble comes knocking.
When we peel or scrub at the skin we lose all these naturally occurring protective mechanisms that keep our skin looking healthy and prevent premature ageing.
For a long time, many people, including skin care experts, have thought that scrubbing and peeling away the top layer of their skin was key to keeping our skin glowing and healthy.
But guess what? It couldn’t be more wrong.
Skin needs all the epidermal layers we’ve talked about here to stay strong and healthy. Stripping them away can leave our skin feeling irritated, inflamed, and just plain unhappy. It is actually in nurturing the skin barrier that we maintain skin health and prevent various concerns such as irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity.
This is why we need to rethink the products we are using and the skincare treatments we receive.
All of this knowledge is why our philosophy here at Ilu Hub is one of working with the skin and using natural and organic products, backed by science that preserve and nourish these layers.
When the skin’s protective barrier is compromised, it’s like taking down the fortress walls that keep invaders at bay. Compromise can occur due to various factors such as harsh skincare products, environmental aggressors, or underlying skin conditions.
The consequences of a compromised barrier can be:
Increased Sensitivity
A compromised epidermal skin barrier can leave it more susceptible to external irritants and allergens. This heightened sensitivity can manifest as redness, stinging, burning, or itching sensations.
Skin Conditions
Without a robust epidermal barrier, your skin is vulnerable to developing various conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. These conditions often present with symptoms like dryness, inflammation, and flakiness.
Impaired Healing
Without a healthy epidermal barrier the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself effectively is hindered. Minor injuries or irritations may take longer to heal, leaving your skin prone to further damage or exacerbating existing issues.
Increased Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
The epidermal barrier’s integrity is essential for retaining moisture within the skin. When compromised, the skin loses its ability to lock in hydration, leading to increased TEWL. This can result in dry and dehydrated skin.
So as we’ve seen we need to flip the narrative that stripping away the epidermal layers is what boosts the health and appearance of the skin and realise it has, instead, led many down the path of unintended consequences and skin conditions much like the ones they initially sought to relieve.
When we understand the function and role of the skin’s outermost layer and realise it is actually a dynamic and intricate system it makes sense that we need to fortify this skin barrier to promote resilience and radiance rather than strip away our skin’s first line of defense.
Instead, we need to focus on nurturing and supporting the skin’s natural protective mechanisms. By adopting a gentle and holistic approach to skincare, incorporating barrier-repairing ingredients that are both natural and organic we can promote long-term skin health.
If you are interested in learning more about products that support and restore your skin barrier get in touch with us. Our resident skin expert Anneli will provide you with individual guidance based on your skin needs.
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