In today’s market, the myriad of skin repair products can be overwhelming. Many products claim to contain various floral extracts and essential oils that purport to repair the skin. However, do these products truly aid in skin repair? Today, let’s explore this question.
In recent years, the concept of “skin barrier function” has become a hot topic in the skincare industry. So, what does this barrier function actually mean? First, we need to understand the structure of the skin. The skin is primarily divided into three layers: the stratum corneum, the epidermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The skin’s barrier function mainly relies on the stratum corneum, which primarily serves to prevent harmful external substances from entering while retaining moisture in the body.
Moreover, maintaining the health of the skin barrier function depends on certain natural lipid components, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and ceramides. If the balance of these lipids with the stratum corneum is disrupted, it can lead to impaired barrier function, allowing external substances to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially causing allergic reactions. For instance, after external damage, the skin may exhibit symptoms like redness, swelling, and peeling, all of which are manifestations of dysfunctional barrier function.
There are many reasons for barrier function damage, including changes in the external environment and personal skincare habits. Drastic weather changes, such as sudden shifts in humidity and temperature, often exacerbate discomfort for those with sensitive skin. In fact, excessive skincare is a significant issue for many individuals. Some may use five to six products at night, mixing a large number of chemical ingredients, which can easily lead to skin sensitivity.
Additionally, environmental pollution is an important cause of skin problems. Tiny particles like PM2.5 and smoke can easily penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. Furthermore, choosing inappropriate cleansing products can also harm the skin; for example, using alkaline soap to wash the face can disrupt the skin’s natural acidic balance, thereby affecting its antibacterial capabilities.
After understanding these damaging factors, how should we go about repairing damaged skin? First, it’s recommended to review the products you are using; if you are using too many, consider reducing them. Decreasing the frequency of product use can help the skin recover more effectively. If you truly need to use skincare products, it is advisable to choose one to two targeted products each season to lessen the burden on the skin.
Of course, maintaining proper cleanliness is also very important, but it’s crucial to select gentle cleansing products. After cleansing, it is especially vital to retain the skin’s moisture; consider using products with good moisturizing properties, such as petroleum jelly, which can effectively lock in moisture and reduce water loss.
Moreover, many products on the market, similar to lip balms, contain lipid components that can form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. For individuals with acne-prone skin, it is essential to use these products cautiously to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Finally, don’t forget to choose products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as vitamins B3 and B5, licorice, and zinc. These ingredients can effectively reduce discomfort and promote skin repair.