Understanding Skin Barrier Impairment: Causes and Treatments

Understanding Skin Barrier Impairment: Causes and Treatments

The skin barrier is a vital component of your overall skin health. It acts as the first line of defence against environmental aggressors, while also retaining essential moisture. When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to various skin disorders, including dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. At Elysian, we are trained in Corneotherapy and use Dermaviduals products to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Here, we’ll delve into the causes of skin barrier impairment and the effective treatments we offer.

 

Causes of Skin Barrier Impairment

 

1. Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or heat, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a compromised barrier.

 

2. Harsh Skincare Products: Using products that contain irritants like alcohol, fragrances, and certain preservatives can damage the skin’s protective layer.

   

3. Over-Cleansing or Over-Exfoliation: While cleansing and exfoliation are essential for skin health, overdoing these can remove essential lipids and proteins that form the barrier.

   

4. Underlying Skin Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea inherently weaken the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to damage.

   

5. Diet and Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of hydration, stress, and lack of sleep can all contribute to a weakened skin barrier.

 

Effective Treatments for Skin Barrier Impairment

 

When treating skin barrier impairment, the goal is to restore the barrier to its optimal state, ensuring it can perform its protective functions effectively. Here’s how we approach treatment at Elysian using Dermaviduals products:

 

1. Cleansing Milk with DMS: Our Cleansing Milk with DMS is a gentle cleanser designed to respect and restore the skin barrier. DMS (Derma Membrane Structure) mimics the skin’s natural composition, ensuring the cleansing process does not strip the skin of its essential lipids and moisture. This product contains:

   - Phospholipids: Derived from soybean lecithin, they help maintain the structural integrity of the skin.

   - Ceramides: Sourced from yeast, ceramides are crucial for preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage.

   - Triglycerides: Extracted from coconut oil, they provide necessary hydration and help replenish the skin’s natural oils.

   - Squalene: Obtained from olives, it helps to moisturize and protect the skin.

   - Fatty Acids & NMF: These components, including fatty acids from H-PC, help to retain moisture and keep the skin soft and supple.

   - Cholesterol: Derived from shea nut, it helps to reinforce the skin barrier.

 

2. Suusmoon Lotion N: This lotion is rich in oils that help to balance and regenerate the skin barrier. Its high oil content is specifically designed to address barrier disorders, providing the necessary lipids to restore natural balance and support skin repair.

 

3. DMS Base Cream High Classic: This cream offers intensive care and nourishment for the skin barrier. Like Cleansing Milk, it contains DMS, which ensures that the cream’s ingredients are physiologically recognised by the skin. This facilitates effective absorption and aids in maintaining the health and resilience of the skin barrier.

 

The Elysian Approach

At Elysian, we believe in a holistic approach to skincare. Alongside using these targeted products, our Corneotherapy educated therapists will consider your overall lifestyle, diet, and skincare routine to tailor a comprehensive treatment plan. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to your skincare regimen ensure that your skin barrier remains healthy and robust.

 

To sum it all up

 

A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining overall skin health and preventing various skin issues. By understanding the causes of skin barrier impairment and utilising effective treatments like Dermaviduals products, we can restore balance and resilience to your skin. Visit Elysian today and experience the difference that personalised, science-backed skincare can make.

 

Love Jay 

The Elysian Facialist