Skin is one of the most important parts of our body and maintaining its health is vital for overall well-being. A healthy skin barrier helps to protect the body from environmental threats and also maintains a critical water balance. However, several factors like a complicated skin care routine, improper pH levels of skin care products, and dry skin can weaken the skin barrier leading to problems like dryness, itching, and inflammation. To restore and protect the skin barrier, here are five strategies that you can consider:

Simplify your skin care routine

If you’re using a lot of skin care products, you may be doing more harm than good. Consult a dermatologist or a skin care professional to determine which products are essential and most effective.

Pay attention to pH

Your skin has a delicate acid mantle with a pH of 4.7. However, some skin care products have a pH that ranges from 3.7 to 8.2. Cleansing with a product that has a pH between 4.0 and 5.0 can help maintain your skin’s pH level and protect it from skin conditions like acne and Candida albicans infections.

Use plant oils to replenish your skin barrier

Plant oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and borage oil have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. They can help repair the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. You can use creams and lotions that contain these oils or massage the oils directly into your skin.

Look for formulations that include ceramides

Ceramides are waxy lipids that are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier’s integrity. Products containing ceramides can help improve the symptoms of a poorly functioning barrier and also protect darker skin tones that have lower ceramide levels.

Use moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin

Dry skin is a common problem and moisturizers are the best solution. Occlusive moisturizers like petrolatum can block up to 99% of water loss from your skin while humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, and urea can improve barrier function by drawing water and binding it into the skin barrier.

Keeping your skin barrier healthy is essential for overall well-being. By simplifying your skin care routine, paying attention to pH, using plant oils, looking for ceramide-rich formulations, and using moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin, you can help restore and protect your skin barrier. If you’re looking to keep your skin healthy, consider visiting or ordering supplements and products from Gaspar’s Best Pharmacy.

For individualized guidance from an expert pharmacist and a 10% discount on your next order, schedule a free consultation now! For more health tips, check out the rest of our glossary. In the meantime, the Gaspar’s Best family wishes you and your family happiness and health.