Implementing an effective skincare routine is essential for achieving healthy, glowing skin.
The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier
The efficacy of your skincare products largely depends on the health and condition of your skin's barrier. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. It is composed of dead skin cells held together by lipids to form a membrane that retains moisture, protects against external aggressors, and maintains skin health and function.
The skin barrier controls what molecules can enter the skin and what it repels. A healthy skin barrier is essential for active ingredients to get absorbed and penetrate your skin for optimum effectiveness. A compromised skin barrier is vulnerable and leads to dry, sensitive and reactive skin. This results is poor efficiency of your skincare routine and products. This can be frustrating and a waste of time and money.
The secret to effective skincare is a healthy barrier and here are the five main ways to achieve just that! 1. Nutrition – Build and Repair the Barrier
Nourishing active ingredients are essential in building and maintaining the structure of the skin barrier. Vitamins, fatty acids and collagen both internally and topically aid in stimulating and repairing skin. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides boost moisture levels in the skin, improving elasticity and barrier function while enhancing the absorption of other skincare products. These are ingredients found in your serums. Think of serums as nutrient dense food for your skin.
2. Protection – Prevent Environmental Damage to Preserve the Barrier
Environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation damage and compromise the skin barrier. Protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, regardless of the weather and how often you go outdoors. Your skin can be negatively affected by light omitted by your screens contributing to hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage caused by environmental stressors. Antioxidant ingredients such as green tea extract, Lipochroman®, Ectoin®, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) protect against environmental aggressors, leading to a healthier barrier and an enhanced regimen. Antioxidants are in serums, moisturizers and mineral sunscreens.
(some products refer to active paten ingredients in FACE by Chris Tam)
3. Exfoliation & Retinol - Increase Barrier Efficiency
Dead skin cells remain on the surface of the skin clogging pores and interfere with barrier function. Exfoliation removes the outermost layer of dead cells. This improves texture and product absorption so that ingredients can do their job. Retinol (vitamin A), a proven anti-aging ingredient, offers natural exfoliation by promoting cell turnover. Exfoliation boosts collagen and elastin production which is the structure of youthful, healthy skin. Enzymes, AHAs and BHAs are all gentle exfoliants that can achieve healthy cell metabolism. I can help you choose which exfoliating ingredient is right for your skin. You don't want to over exfoliate. This could breakdown your skin barrier.
4. Boost Oxygen in Skin - Active Cells Improve Product Absorption
Ultimately, skincare active ingredients are most effective when they penetrate the barrier and are utilized and absorbed by the deeper layers of living cells. With age, living cells can get tired and less active. Oxygen boosting active ingredients in the skin liven up the skin cells. Active cells naturally absorb more skincare ingredients, remove toxins faster, and promote elasticity.
**Keep an eye out for my New Oxygen Serum launching this Fall!!
5. KISS - Keep It Simple Sweetheart and be Consistent
Be patient! Results take time and the fastest way of getting there is staying consistent. Try to keep your regimen simple enough that it becomes part of your daily routine. After cleansing apply serums to slightly damp skin. Layer products from lightweight formulas to heavier ones. A complete, twice a day regimen of cleansing, exfoliate (at night), treat, moisturize and protect is the best way to lasting results.
If you need help creating a skincare routine, email me at cesthetics@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.
I am here for all you Skin, Pilates and Health and Hormone need. i am a licensed esthetician of 30 years, Pilates instructor and studio owner for 20 and a certified Integrative Health and Hormone Coach. My goal is to help you navigate through changes of life feeling your very best.