When it comes to caring for your health, did you know that taking care of your skin ranks right
up there with exercising and eating right? It’s true! Our skin is an amazing organ (the largest in the human body, in fact) that helps protect us from a variety of potentially harmful substances in the environment. But like any other organ in the body, without proper care, the skin can’t perform at its best. To keep its protective powers strong, it’s important to support both your natural skin barrier and your skin’s microbiome.
First, let’s talk more about the skin barrier and how it’s related to appearance and health. As you may know, the skin is made up of several layers. They all have different functions, like keeping us warm, helping us feel things, etc. The outermost layer — what you see when you look in the mirror — serves as the protective layer. It’s made up of stacks of cells surrounded by a fatty/lipid matrix, kind of like bricks surrounded by mortar. Together they form a wall-like barrier that helps keeps moisture in and pollution, bacteria and other harmful substances out.
But those lipids that hold the wall together aren’t infallible. They can be stripped away by harsh chemicals, dehydration, and over-cleansing, as well as the natural effects of aging. That weakens
the skin barrier and leaves us vulnerable to assault from pollution, bacteria and other
environmental harms, which can contribute to acne breakouts, dryness, irritation and other
skin challenges. Harsh cleansers and other products that disrupt the skin’s microbiome (the
collection of invisible organisms that live on the surface of the skin) can also weaken the skin
barrier and contribute to these conditions.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to support and repair your skin barrier and microbiome right at home. Two easy ways to get started are to make sure you’re using an oil cleanser and a lipid-rich moisturizer. For example, for my acne-prone clients, I recommend this Rich Herbal Tamanu Cleanser Oil. High in fatty acids with soothing and antioxidant properties this miracle oil helps restore the lipid matrix of the skin, promotes the formation of new tissue and reduces the appearance of acne scars. After cleansing, I recommend giving those skin lipids another boost with my Hyaluronic Perfecting Cream, which contains hydrating organic jojoba oil, plumping hyaluronic acid and brightening organic rooibos tea, green tea, and white tea extracts.
As your skin barrier improves over time, you’ll notice your skin becoming more hydrated, firm and supple. And the stronger your skin barrier becomes, the less you’ll have to do in terms of your beauty routine. You’ll find your skin just naturally looks luminous and healthy — no foundation required!
In beauty and health,
Sara Tucker
