You’ve probably heard us mention it a million times by now - we’re talking about the skin barrier! Having a healthy skin barrier is absolutely crucial if you want healthy skin; this natural barrier helps skin retain moisture and protect itself against external stressors. Let’s talk about it!
what exactly is the skin barrier?
Technically, the skin barrier is considered to be the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) and the extracellular matrix.
The what? The extracellular matrix is a collection of lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) in addition to collagen, elastin, and enzymes.
You can think of the skin barrier as a brick wall; skin cells are the bricks and the extracellular matrix is the mortar holding the bricks together.
and what are ceramides?
Ceramides are a type of lipid or fat naturally found in the stratum corneum. They make up approximately 50% of your skin barrier and are an essential part of it!
Ceramides help prevent transepidermal water loss by supporting water retention; in doing so, they protect skin against dehydration, irritation, premature signs of aging, and more!
Though your skin naturally creates its own ceramides, production typically starts to slow down around the age of 30.
how can you repair a weak or damaged skin barrier?
Many factors can damage or weaken the skin barrier: over-exfoliating, using harsh, stripping skincare products, exposure to extreme temperatures, the natural aging process, etc. If your skin often feels uncomfortable, dehydrated, dull, or irritated, you might have a damaged skin barrier.
To repair a damaged skin barrier, stop using anything that might be causing irritation (see above examples!) and replenish skin with ingredients like ceramides, humectants, and emollients. Our ceramide barrier serum contains all 3!
how does the ceramide barrier serum work?
Our ceramide barrier serum was made to mimic and support the skin’s natural barrier; it replenishes lipids in the skin that naturally deplete over time with 5 different types of ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane, which is high in fatty acids.
Our formula also encourages natural ceramide production with a low percentage of lactic acid and 2 different ceramide precursors. This two-pronged approach brings your skin barrier back into balance!
how do I use it?
After cleansing and toning, gently massage or pat 2-3 drops of serum onto skin. This serum is suitable for daily use in the am and/or pm!
We hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us a DM on Instagram or email info@cocokind.com.
