During the winter months, many of us may start to notice a change in our skin. Dry, flaky, and itchy skin are common complaints during the winter, and these symptoms can be caused by a weakened skin moisture barrier. You may have heard this term come up before, so what is a skin moisture barrier?

What is a moisture barrier?

The skin moisture barrier is a thin layer of lipids that sit on the surface of the skin and helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. The scientific term for this is the Stratum Corneum, it is filled with a whole system of cells and lipids that form a barrier to keep your skin healthy. When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and even premature aging of the skin.

What damages your skin moisture barrier in the winter?

One of the main causes of a weakened moisture barrier in the winter is the dry, cold air. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which means that there is less moisture in the air to keep our skin hydrated. Additionally, indoor heating can also dry out the air and strip our skin of moisture. To combat these environmental stressors, it’s important to keep our skin hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables. These things will all help repair your skin moisture barrier.

Another important factor to consider is the products we use on our skin. Many skincare products, particularly those that contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients, can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the moisture barrier. When choosing skincare products, look for those that are formulated for sensitive skin and are free of harsh or synthetic ingredients. 

Our Top 4 Tips to Repair and Strengthen Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier:

Tip 1: Renew your skin’s moisture barrier using a hydrating exfoliant.

The LASPA Intensive Glycolic Peel Overnight Treatment helps remove the dead cells on the top layer of the skin. As these dead cells start to shed, it begins to stimulate the renewal of new skin cells which give a fresh and youthful look to the skin. The product is 100% biobased and the only one like it on the market so you can be assured that there are no harsh chemicals in the product that may irritate your skin. One of the other key ingredients in this treatment is hyaluronic acid which is a humectant – meaning it pulls water from the environment to the upper layers of the skin which helps with keeping your skin moisturized.

Tip 2: Simplify your skincare routine. 

In addition to using the right skincare products, it’s also important to use them in the right way. Over-cleansing and exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils and weaken the moisture barrier. Instead, stick to a gentle cleansing routine and avoid using harsh scrubs or exfoliants. 

Tip 3: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

The most critical component of maintaining skin health is to protect our skin from the sun, even in the winter. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin and weaken the moisture barrier, leading to dryness and premature aging. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy or cold.

Tip 4: Get enough sleep.

Another important step to improve your skin moisture barrier is to make sure you are getting enough sleep and managing stress. Sleep is essential for maintaining overall health, including the health of our skin. A lack of sleep can lead to a weakened moisture barrier, and even cause wrinkles and fine lines to appear. Stress can also take a toll on our skin, and it’s important to find ways to manage and reduce stress in our daily lives.

The Takeaway:

In conclusion, a weakened skin moisture barrier can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin during the winter months, but can also reduce our skin’s ability to fight infection and disease leading to other health issues. To improve and repair your skin moisture barrier, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, use the right skincare products, and protect your skin from environmental stressors, most importantly, UV Radiation. By following these tips, you can have healthy, hydrated skin all winter long.