Why a strong skin barrier is important

prerequisite for physical well-being

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of our body. It is essential for protecting against harmful environmental factors, preventing moisture loss and supporting the overall health of the skin. When this barrier is damaged, a variety of skin problems can arise.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier, also called the stratum corneum, is the outermost part of our skin (epidermis) in which new skin cells are formed. This thin but powerful protective shield protects our skin from external aggressors such as harmful germs, dirt particles and excessive UV radiation. During their development, the skin cells migrate from the lower basal layer (stratum basale) upwards into the horny layer (stratum corneum), where they lose their cell nucleus and form the skin barrier as "dead cells". The horny cells (corneocytes) are surrounded by the skin's own fats (lipids). The lipids consist of ceramides, phosphatodylcholine, squalene, cholesterol and free fatty acids. According to the "bricks and mortar" analogy, the skin barrier is comparable to a brick wall (the horny cells) held together with mortar (the skin's own lipids).

What are the functions of the skin barrier?

protection from external influences

The skin barrier reduces the sensitivity of the skin. It prevents microorganisms such as unwanted bacteria, viruses or fungi from penetrating the skin as damaging stressors from the outside and disrupting the balance of the healthy skin flora, the microbiome.

A strong barrier layer also protects the skin from environmental influences such as cold, wind, dry heating air, UV radiation, dirt and dust particles, which can cause redness, itching, blemishes or inflammatory skin disorders.

Improved moisture retention - Slow Aging

A damaged or weakened skin barrier accelerates the evaporation of moisture through the skin. The result is premature sagging and wrinkling of the skin. The skin barrier reduces water loss through the skin (TEWL = transepidermal water loss). It is essential for the skin's ability to bind and store moisture. An intact and strong skin barrier delays the aging process of the skin cells (slow aging). This keeps the skin supple and elastic.

maintaining the acid mantle

The acid mantle, as part of the skin barrier, has the task of ensuring a slightly acidic environment on the surface of the skin in order to ward off harmful microbes and ensure healthy skin functions. The pH value of our skin is ideally between approx. 4.7 and 5.5, depending on the region of the body. This slightly acidic environment ensures that the surface of the skin is colonized with "good" bacteria, viruses and fungi. As healthy skin flora, they form the microbiome - a blanket that lies over our skin, protects it from the penetration of unwanted microbes and supports the growth of healthy skin bacteria.

defense against irritants and allergens

An intact skin barrier is able to ward off potentially harmful allergens and irritating irritants. In contrast, a damaged skin barrier is more permeable and susceptible to inflammation, itching and allergies.

Improved wound healing and skin regeneration

A strong skin barrier improves the healing process of wounds to prevent later scarring.

How do you recognize a damaged skin barrier?

• Dry, rough and flaky skin: The skin may appear dry, rough and flaky due to moisture loss, combined with a feeling of tightness.
• Redness, inflammation and itching: When the skin barrier is damaged, increased sensitivity, redness, irritation or even a burning sensation on the skin when applying skin care products often occur.
• Skin impurities: If the barrier layer is disrupted, harmful microorganisms and dirt particles can penetrate the skin. This leads to skin impurities and pimples.
• Hypersensitivity: The skin may react hypersensitively to products that have not previously caused problems.

What are common causes of a disrupted skin barrier?

• Aggressive skin care products:
  Products containing alcohol, synthetic fragrances, preservatives or other irritating additives disrupt the balance of the skin.
• Incorrect facial cleansing:
  The use of aggressive cleaning products with harsh surfactants or emulsifiers dissolves the skin's own barrier layer lipids and attacks the skin's natural protective layer.
• Excessive peeling:
  Mechanical and chemical peels can damage the skin barrier if they contain abrasive peeling agents or if the dosage is too high. Peelings are generally not recommended for very sensitive skin.

How can you regenerate a damaged skin barrier?

You can rebuild a damaged skin barrier through targeted measures. There are important steps that will help you:

Skin-friendly facial cleansing

A skin-friendly cleanser should be free of sulfate-containing surfactants, alcohol, synthetic preservatives and fragrances. We recommend the surfactant-free myrto Cleansing Creams or the Deep Cleansing Oil.

emulsifier-free moisturizer

Moisturizing care with emulsifier-free facial serums and emulsifier-free facial creams is particularly recommended for sensitive skin types. These formulations minimize the risk of redness, irritation and allergic reactions. They prevent the skin from drying out or producing excessive sebum. They help to bring the skin into its natural balance and protect against premature skin aging (slow aging).

Avoidance of irritating additives

In order not to weaken your skin barrier unnecessarily, you should avoid additives that irritate the skin. These include aggressive washing substances such as sulfates - for example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) or sodium coco sulfate (SCS) - but also alcohol, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oils and paraffins. These petroleum derivatives are often used as moisturizers. However, they can seal the skin and disrupt the natural skin metabolism by clogging the pores and preventing the skin from breathing. This can lead to acne and irritation.

facial care with barrier-strengthening active ingredients

There are several important active ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier. In addition to skin-like phospholipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, B3 or ectoin, these include the natural ingredient beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has the ability to rebuild the skin barrier and is an essential ingredient in all myrto face creams and face serums. Beta-glucan offers comprehensive protection for the skin barrier by hydrating, soothing, repairing and protecting the skin from external environmental damage. Beta-glucan is particularly beneficial for sensitive, dry or damaged skin and improves its resilience.