In daily life, many people may not understand that the first step toward healthy, beautiful skin is establishing a robust skin barrier function. The skin can be seen as a sturdy fortress, with the stratum corneum acting as its walls. To keep these walls intact, it is essential to ensure that the stratum corneum is well-arranged to effectively block external irritants.
When our skin is healthy, the integrity of the stratum corneum makes it less susceptible to environmental bacteria, viruses, and other harm. The lipids within the stratum corneum, such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, function like cannons on a fortress, capable of defending against external irritants and protecting our skin from damage.
However, when the skin is damaged, the barrier function of the stratum corneum is compromised, leading to a series of issues such as dryness, redness, sensitivity, itchiness, and flakiness. To rebuild the skin’s barrier function, we first need a healthy wall, followed by sufficient antioxidant components to act as “soldiers,” and ingredients with repair properties to address casualties during combat.
When choosing skincare products, pay attention to ingredients that can enhance barrier function. Effective lipid components include ceramides, cholesterol, shea butter, vitamin B3, and fatty acids. These ingredients promote skin health and strengthen the stratum corneum. At the same time, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients are also very important, including vitamins A, C, E, B3, B5, and licorice. These ingredients have excellent antioxidant effects and help reduce skin damage.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients cannot be overlooked either, such as vitamins B, C, and E, which can help reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate redness and itching. Once inflammation occurs, it can cause skin discomfort, impacting overall skin health; thus, preventing inflammation is an important step in protecting the skin.
Many people feel confused about the necessity of using moisturizers. In reality, it is essential to choose the right moisturizer for normal skin. However, for individuals with acne or pimple problems, caution is required to avoid common moisturizers that could clog pores and worsen skin conditions. Additionally, overusing moisturizers may challenge the skin’s barrier function, leading to more skin issues.
During the skincare process, observing your skin’s reactions is crucial. If your skin feels sensitive, you might want to review the products you’re using to see if they contain excessive or unsuitable ingredients. Skincare is not merely about layering products but also focusing on the choice of ingredients to establish a strong skin barrier function.
By understanding your skin’s needs and adopting correct skincare habits, we can create an impeccably fortified fortress for our skin, defending against external intrusions, and maintaining a healthy glow.