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As the New York Times reported in July, “Ask aestheticians and dermatologists what problem they’re seeing these days, and as often as not the answer is a broken-down skin barrier.”
There’s a hot new trend in the skincare world – only this time it isn’t an exotic botanical. The industry is buzzing about something more fundamental: protecting the natural skin barrier. Here’s why it matters more than ever.
We launched Eighteen B with two moisturizers designed to support the natural skin barrier. In the early days, however, we often encountered the same hurdle: many consumers had never heard of the skin barrier (or cared about protecting it, for that matter). Now, it seems that the tides are turning. A skincare revolution is underway.
We’ve recently seen a flood of press surrounding the importance of protecting the skin barrier. We’re proud to be a part of the conversation and thrilled to see the skin barrier getting the attention it deserves. As we always say, healthy skin requires a healthy skin barrier. Here’s a look at a few of the recent headlines.
First things first: what is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis. We talk about the skin barrier a lot on The Lab, so we’ll let a dermatologist take it from here.
Los Angeles-based dermatologist Anna Guanche told Allure, “The stratum corneum is a layer of actively shedding dead skin cells. It’s fortified with a latticework of remaining cell-to-cell connections and the contents of your oil glands that contain lipids.”
The Allure story continues, “Put simply, the barrier works to keep good stuff in and bad stuff out. Essential water and electrolytes are sealed in, explains Guanche, which keeps skin looking smooth and dewy. At the same time, it protects the skin from dehydration and repels irritants in the air.”
Why is the skin barrier at risk?
Why is the skin barrier all the rage all of a sudden? As the New York Times reported in July, “Ask aestheticians and dermatologists what problem they’re seeing these days, and as often as not the answer is a broken-down skin barrier.”
We’ve dug ourselves into this hole. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist, told the New York Times, “It’s largely a product of our own obsession with squeaky clean and using product upon product upon product.” When combined with pollution and environmental aggressors, “you have a recipe for skin barrier disaster,” says the Times.
Lindsay Wray, our Chief Science Officer, spoke to The Zoe Report on the potential harm of cleansing. Lindsay said, “In our research, it became clear that one of the most disruptive things we do to our skin’s natural barrier is to cleanse and exfoliate. Cleansing is essential to healthy skin, of course, to remove dirt and make up. In the process, however, cleansers strip the barrier function of some important natural moisturizing factors.”
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Dr. Bowe told the Wall Street Journal, “when we cleanse, our skin should feel hydrated, smooth and nourished, not tight.” The story continued, “While overwashing can be the culprit, so can washing with products that are too harsh.”
How do you know if your skin barrier is compromised?
Your skincare concerns could be related to a compromised skin barrier without you even knowing it. According to the Wall Street Journal, “When that delicate protective barrier is compromised, skin can feel dehydrated, reactive and experience inflammatory conditions like acne.”
Dr. Kenneth Mark, a New York-based dermatologist, spoke about this for Allure. “Skin might look and feel rough, dull, flaky, inflamed, red, and itchy,” Dr. Mark said. He does mention, however, that these symptoms can also be caused by dehydration, sun, wind, or other factors.
What can we do to support the skin barrier?
Thankfully, this is a problem we can control. As a recent story for SheFinds reports, “dermatologists stress the importance of following a nourishing and reparative skincare routine with products that strengthen the skin barrier.”
SheFinds continued, “One serum that should be on everyone’s radar is Eighteen B’s new B-silk™ Protein Firm + Replenish Serum, a formula that replenishes skin by forming a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and other restorative ingredients using the brand’s innovative b-silk™ protein.”
It’s true – our Firm + Replenish Serum was specifically designed to support the skin barrier. Our multi-tasking Serum has two main functions. First, Serum works to replenish skin’s barrier after cleansing and exfoliating and prime skin for moisturizer.
Then, b-silk™ protein, our proprietary key ingredient, forms a lightweight, breathable barrier that supports the skin barrier and protects skin from environmental stressors. Over time, b-silk™ protein works to deliver long-term firming, visible lifting, and increased elasticity.
It’s safe to say the skin barrier revolution is underway. Environmental aggressors better watch out.
Do you have questions? Comments? Topics you want us to cover? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at thelab@eighteenb.com.
