Lately, people have been talking a lot about supporting a healthy skin barrier in both the beauty and health spheres. As the largest organ in the human body, the skin is the body's first line of defense against pollution, environmental, and other stressors. Skincare isn't just about beauty, it's also about health, which is why it's so important to know how to properly care for our skin.
Especially for women, as our skin has its own unique needs between hormones, over-complicated skincare, and stress, we work overtime to keep everything in balance. That's why it's essential to commit to a self-care ritual that gives our skin barrier the extra TLC it deserves.
What is the Skin Barrier?
Our skin has an invisible outer layer of protection that serves as a shield, keeping hydration at its optimal levels, known as the skin barrier.
At the core of this outer layer is the acid mantle, a thin film of natural oils with a slightly acidic pH. This acidity helps to inhibit the growth of environmental threats, preserving the skin's health.
For women, maintaining the skin's pH balance is particularly important due to hormonal fluctuations and the use of harsh skincare products and fragrances. By supporting the acid mantle and ensuring a balanced pH, you can promote a healthy and resilient skin barrier from head to toe.
What Disrupts the Skin Barrier?
Despite its protective function, the skin barrier can still be affected by internal and external factors.
- Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin concerns since harsh rays can penetrate the skin’s layers and cause oxidative stress.
- Outdoor conditions and pollution can cause skin sensitivity, which can be disruptive. Hot and cold weather, as well as dry air and blustery winds can also negatively affect the skin.
- Showering with hot water, and using harsh soaps, can strip away the skin's natural moisture and oils, leading to dehydration.
- Natural aging is another factor, as the skin's restorative ability weakens over time. Most people will experience less sebum production and a greater loss of natural hydration as they get older.
- Even your mental health and emotional state can impact your skin, as stress hormones can exacerbate skin’s sensitivity.
Skincare Myth vs. Reality
The internet is full of complicated 10-step routines, and while there is a constant stream of new products, there’s often little clarity on actual ingredients and effectiveness of these formulas.
The bottom line is, no one needs a 10-step skin care routine. To cut through the noise, we formulated our Retinol Reset with all skin types in mind, as a gentle but effective retinol anyone can use. It goes above and beyond with hydrating and soothing ingredients to gently reveal glowing skin that replenishes moisture.
How to Support Your Skin Health
Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to rejuvenate your skin:
- Less is more: Start by using gentle cleansers that won't strip away your skin's natural oils. Then, look for rich moisturizers, like our Quench Crème, formulated with Hyaluronix® and rich botanical lipids to keep your skin dewy and healthy without clogging your pores.
- Use niacinamide: Two of the most powerful skincare ingredients are retinol and niacinamide. While retinol fights the look of wrinkles and fine lines, niacinamide calms the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of aging spots. Our Spot Check serum is packed with soothing niacinamide and polyglutamic acid to lock in moisture and promote an even skin tone. Alternating the use of Spot Check and Retinol Reset is one of the most powerful ways to achieve a simple, yet highly effective skin care routine.
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes can significantly impact your skin health. Drinking enough water is the base of our skin health, so make sure you are always hydrated. A healthy diet rich in water-dense hydrating fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids is also essential to support skin health from within. And finally, Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga can help reduce stress levels that affect our appearance.
Final thoughts
Skincare requires patience and dedication, but it doesn’t need to be a complicated process. All you really need is to make sure you have a gentle cleanser, an effective moisturizer for your skin type, and the right combination of retinol and niacinamide. Additionally, alleviating stress, healthy eating, hydration, and mindfulness can help you nurture more resilient skin from the inside out, revealing your Tru radiance.
