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Skin Concept

Skin Barrier

The outermost protective layer of skin — responsible for keeping moisture in and environmental aggressors out.

When functioning well, helps maintain visible skin comfort, hydration, and resilience. When compromised, skin may look red, feel tight or dry, or be more sensitive to products.

The skin barrier refers to the stratum corneum — the outermost layer of the epidermis. It functions like a brick-and-mortar system: skin cells (corneocytes) act as bricks, held together by lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) that act as mortar. This structure helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and blocks environmental aggressors. A compromised barrier may result in visible dryness, redness, sensitivity, or reactive skin.

Barrier Support Hydration Redness / Sensitivity
Focus on barrier support before introducing strong actives like acids or retinol. Gentle cleansers and rich moisturizers are foundational.