Skin Barrier Function

Hi everyone! This is my first post for my blog. I'm amused at how many clients have come to me in the past few years with an impaired skin barrier function and have no idea why and how it became so stripped or impaired! So let's focus on the importance of having a healthy skin barrier function.

SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION

What is the function and purpose of the skin?

Our skin has many important functions being a physical barrier to the environment, being waterproof, providing protection against micro-organisms, ultra-violet radiation, toxic agents and mechanical insults. 

What makes our skin barrier function?

1. The structure of the Stratum Corneum
2. The Acid Mantle 
3. Sebaceous Secretions 

The stratum corneum consists of keratin filled corneocytes surrounded by a lamellar lipid bilayer as demonstrated in the above bricks and mortar model. This arrangement is what makes it an effective environmental barrier, reducing environmental permeability and providing a waterproof properties while reducing dermal evaporative water loss. 

The lipids are known as barrier lipids as it is essential for the barrier function. These lipids consists of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. 

The corneocytes are connected desomosomes which provides integrity to the stratum corneum reducing the risk of damage by shearing forces and penetration.

The acid mantle is known for describing the acidic nature of the stratum corneum. pH can range between 4.2 and 5.9. The acid mantle is important as it is influenced by age, anatomical site, genetic predisposition, ethnic differences, sebum secretion, skin moisture, sweat, cosmetic products, medications and diseases e.g. Dermatitis. 

Sebaceous secretions are the excretions of sebum which also provides barrier environmental protection including antibacterial and water resistant properties. 

So what are the factor affecting our skin barrier function?

Different areas of the body will differ in barrier properties. This is due to the variance in structure. Prevention of transepidermal water loss can be affected, as well as permeability and repair of barrier properties. As we age, our skin is more susceptible to environmental insults thereby decreasing the optimum barrier function. Stress can increase our skin permeability as the adhesion between our corneocytes are reduced. Trauma and mechanical damage to the skin is another factor skin permeability increases this can be due to UV damage. Stripping of the skin by chemicals can also increase the permeability of exogenous substances. Use of medications that include antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cortisone and roaccutane affect the skin barrier function. Skin diseases and conditions can also play a role in altering the skin barrier function as well. 

Getting our skin barrier function ready for treatments 

With some dermal therapy treatments to have clinical efficacy from treatments the skin barrier function might need to be compromised. This is to allow for penetration of ingredients, higher absorption of products and to achieve clinical results. Commonly in our treatments we may use degreasing agents to clean the skin, perform microdermabrasion treatments or apply chemical peels. However, when the skin barrier function is compromised treatments should not be performed, as this will cause more disruption and more downtime may be required to heal the skin. 

How to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier function

There are many ways to maintain your skin health and the integrity of the skin barrier function. As we know from above. We need to protect our skin from so many different insults. Using the right products can help, as well as doing treatments to encourage optimal skin barrier function. The best way to start is to have a skin consultation with a dermal clinician and address all your skin concerns and tell them all your goals for your skin. You will be provided with a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and proper home care instructions with information about different treatments suitable for you.