One of the most fragile structures on our skin, our skin barrier also has one of the most important roles. An essential layer of protection, let’s take a closer look at how it works and the best ways to look after it.

What is the skin barrier?

Your skin (epidermis) is made up of several layers, the outermost of these layers is called the skin barrier. This layer of skin is made up of strong skin cells that provide an essential defense to your body. Without this thin layer protecting you, all sorts of nasty toxins would be able to get through and it also works the other way, keeping water inside your body, allowing you to stay hydrated.

Keeping this layer of skin healthy will enable you to achieve clear, glowing skin. If it's not treated properly, it can lead to skin issues like dryness and redness. 

What can damage the skin barrier?

Your skin faces threats every day, that can be from external factors such as the environment, product choice and even genetics can play a part. Here are some of the most common causes that can lead to a damaged skin barrier:

- Over washing with chemical heavy products - You might think you are doing your skin a favour by keeping it squeaky clean, but over washing with harsh products that don't suit your skin type can lead to the skin being stripped of its natural oils.
- Environment – A temperature that is too dry or too humid can play havoc on your skin barrier.
- UV rays – Too much sun exposure is never a good thing.
- Psychological and hormonal factors – If you are feeling stressed for example, that can manifest itself through the skin leading to breakouts and inflammation.
- Diet and sleep - The amount of water we consume, our diet and how much sleep we get can all play a part in skin health.

Is the skin barrier the same as the acid mantle?

There is a hydrolipidic film that coats the surface of our skin. Made up of a mixture of sebum (skins natural oil) and sweat, it has a slightly acidic pH so is referred to as ‘acid mantle’ and provides protection from microbes. It plays an important part in the skin barrier function but is not solely responsible for maintaining the main defense of the skin barrier. If the acid mantle is disrupted, it can be restored after a few hours after using products with the right pH. With the skin barrier, once that has been disrupted it can take longer for it be restored.

How to tell if your skin barrier is damaged

There are a few tell-tale signs that indicate whether your skin barrier is not working at its best. You may experience some of these skin conditions:

- Inflammation

- Dry skin

- Acne

- Itchiness

How to protect your skin barrier

1.Adopt a simple skincare routine

Using too many products during your skincare routine could lead to a weakening of the skin barrier. Keep it simple, use a 3-6 step routine, and at the most basic level include a cleanser, anti-oxidant moisturiser and SPF. Use natural, toxin free products so your skin has the best chance to protect itself.

2. Use plant oils

Many plant oils have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Oils are also great for keeping skin moisturised and nourished. Some of the most effective plant oils are:

Jojoba oil – Found in Invigorating Body Oil, Nourishing Face Oil, Beard & Shave Oil

Argan oil – Found in Hydrating Hand Cream, Rejuvenating Eye Balm.

Almond oil - Found in Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub, Marine Cleansing Balm, Invigorating Body Lotion.

Coconut oil – Found in Body & Hand Wash.

3. Use products that contain Anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants help to neutralise free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) and work towards repairing skin, minimising lines and wrinkles and help your skin barrier to fend off environmental threats such as UV rays. At ishga, our main ingredient seaweed is packed full of anti-oxidants and in many of our products, including our hero bestseller, Anti-oxidant Marine Cream.

Make sure you look after it, because it’s protecting you

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a complicate or expensive process. Adopt a simple skincare routine that involves an anti-oxidant moisturiser and some SPF and you are already on your way to helping your skin barrier do its best job at protecting you.