The skin barrier is the watertight, outermost surface of the skin.

Technically called the stratum corneum, it is your body’s first line of defense against environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, toxins and irritations, whilst also protecting you from dehydration through water loss. If this vital defense mechanism gets damaged, the skin loses its ability to hold onto elements that keep it healthy. This can mean that your skin becomes vulnerable, which can lead to dermatological issues, whether itchy, flaking, dry skin, difficult to repair signs of aging or scars, or potentially lead to conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Treating your skin barrier with high-grade topical products as well as treating it with care (e.g. avoiding hot showers, patting dry with a towel rather than rubbing and using mild cleansers) will help maintain skin barrier health.