People with sensitive skin or eczema tend to have a weakened or damaged skin barrier. This makes their skin more susceptible to infections and allergens, leading to flare-ups that cause dryness, discomfort, and further damage to the protective layer. Therefore, repairing and maintaining the skin barrier becomes crucial for managing sensitive skin and eczema. It helps to reduce transepideraml water loss (TEWL), improve skin hydration, minimise exposure to irritants, and ultimately decrease inflammation and discomfort. 

What is the skin barrier? It is the outermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum, which is responsible for keeping moisture in and harmful elements like allergens, bacteria, and irritants out. When this barrier is weakened and compromised, it can lead to skin sensitivity, irritation, and conditions such as eczema. The good news is that there are effective ways to strengthen your skin barrier and one of them is choosing the right moisturiser/cream that is formulated to enhance the skin barrier, provide extra moisturisation, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and balance the skin microbiome. Look for ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate), essential fatty acids, like bilberry seed oil, and ceramides, which are naturally occurring lipids in the skin, are also crucial as they help restore the skin's natural barrier. Products that boost natural ceramide formation are highly recommended as effective eczema therapies because they replenish the essential lipids that are deficient in eczema-afflicted skin. 

The Link Between Skin Barrier Dysfunction and Sensitive/Eczema-Prone Skin

Many people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin suffer from a malfunctioning skin barrier. This can happen as a result of the barrier being thinner or having less moisture, making it easier for allergens, bacteria, and irritants to penetrate the skin. This dysfunction also makes it easier for moisture to evaporate, leading to dryness, itching, and inflammation. Essentially, when your skin barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more susceptible to external triggers that can worsen conditions like eczema. 

By strengthening the skin barrier, you can protect your skin from environmental factors that usually trigger sensitivity and irritation. This leads to fewer flare-ups and less discomfort on a day-to-day basis. A strong skin barrier also helps the skin to retain more moisture, which is especially beneficial for skin that is prone to eczema and tends to be dry. Well-moisturized skin can heal faster and is more flexible, which reduces the likelihood of cracking and subsequent infections. Additionally, a robust skin barrier works effectively against microbial and pollutant invasions, reducing the risk of infections and reactions that can arise from these exposures.

Benefits of Strengthening the Skin Barrier

• Reduced Sensitivity and Irritation

By enhancing the skin barrier, you can shield the skin from environmental factors that typically trigger sensitivity and irritation. This means fewer flare-ups and less discomfort on a day-to-day basis.

• Increased Moisture Retention

A strong skin barrier retains more moisture, which is particularly beneficial for eczema-prone skin that tends to be dry. Well-moisturized skin can heal faster and remains more flexible, which decreases the likelihood of cracking and subsequent infections.

• Enhanced Natural Defense

A robust skin barrier acts effectively against microbial and pollutant invasions, reducing the risk of infections and reactions that can arise from these exposures.