What Is Your Skin Barrier (And How To Look After It)

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[{"selector":"#anim-f92d8a12-4c46-4f1f-a0dd-00a50662b4cd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Also known as the stratum corneum, our skin barrier is essential for optimising our skin’s health. It knits our skin cells together to protect and shield against damaging pollution, UV light, infection, and irritation as well as locking in the moisture and hydration it needs to remain optimal.

[{"selector":"#anim-98cc2ab8-a5d4-4de9-ad6f-36d3bab05d09","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] “Too much exfoliation or removal of the barrier’s infrastructure can have an extremely negative impact on the skin, eventually leading to sensitised or sensitive skin," says chemist and founder of namesake skincare brand, Marie Veronique.

[{"selector":"#anim-70c726e6-7a9e-43fe-9f4d-93880ce5fa72","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A damaged skin barrier can be returned. Stop over-cleansing the skin, which strips away the essential moisture and try introducing a more gentle, creamier cleanser or richer balm that will soothe and hydrate the skin.