Your pores and skin barrier is complicated and multi-functional. It’s made up of the acid mantle (which refers back to the barely acidic nature of the pores and skin1), moisture barrier, pores and skin microbiome, and even has its personal immune system.
These all work collectively to maintain the good things in, and dangerous stuff out. When working correctly, it will possibly neutralize radical injury, cut back irritation within the physique, and retain moisture.
The pores and skin is resilient, however can sadly be influenced by lots of exterior stressors, comparable to irritating skincare merchandise.
One of the worst issues you are able to do is to make use of harsh cleansers, comparable to sulfates. These dissolve your pores and skin’s pure lipids, doubtlessly alter the microbiome, and throw off the pores and skin’s pH.
These adjustments can result in dryness, flakes, advantageous traces, darkish spots, crepey pores and skin, and different indicators of getting old.