The skin barrier is undoubtedly the most talked-about topic in cosmetology at the moment. The industry has been buzzing for quite some time now regarding what makes our skin strong, healthy, and happy, specifically regarding the skin barrier function.
The skin barrier is a crucial component of healthy skin. Knowing more about how your skin barrier works can help cosmetologists make recommendations for their own practice as well as recommend safer, better treatments to their clients.
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, and it keeps bad things out (like bacteria, pollution, and other external stressors) while keeping moisture in. Basically, it helps keep the skin balanced.
When your skin barrier is healthy and well-functioning, it looks like:
- Smooth and comfortable skin.
- Hydrated skin.
- Skin that isn’t easily irritated.
- Skin that is not easily affected by the environment.
The skin barrier plays a role in the long-term health of the skin.
What does it look like when the skin barrier is damaged?
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize a weak skin barrier. You might think of your client and ask, “Does this person have a damaged skin barrier, or is that something else?”
Some common concerns that could indicate a weakened skin barrier can look like:
- Tension and dryness.
- Redness and irritation.
- Sensitivity.
- Flaking.
- Rough skin.
- Breakouts (even if they don’t usually breakout).
A damaged skin barrier isn’t just for people with dry skin. Sometimes oily or combination skin has a damaged skin barrier, too.
How does the skin barrier get damaged?
It can be a mystery to people why their skin is damaged or what has caused them to experience skin issues. Many people do their research at home, and some of the factors that might play a role include the following.
- Over-exfoliating.
- Using too many products with active ingredients.
- Using harsh products that strip the skin.
- External stress.
- Not using enough hydration.
Cosmetologists and estheticians can help their clients understand their skincare and what is causing their skin issues.
How can I support my skin barrier to improve skin health?
Sometimes a compromised skin barrier needs to be healed before a professional can perform treatments or services to clients, and that may involve making changes to a skincare routine and a slower approach to skincare to promote healthy and balanced skin.
Common ways for professionals to treat their damaged skin barrier include:
- Gentle cleanser products.
- Moisturizers.
- Not exfoliating as much.
- Creating a new and better skincare routine.
The skin barrier often has to get time to repair itself.
Do all clients need the same things?
It is important for cosmetologists and estheticians to talk with and consult with their clients regarding their skin.
Cosmetologists and estheticians can help clients better understand their skin and create recommendations to help them achieve skin goals by consulting with each individual and finding what might be causing them stress in their skin.
Generally, the results are better when a recommendation is tailored to an individual rather than using the same approach for all clients.
Do I need a healthy skin barrier for professional treatments to work?
Many services that cosmetologists and estheticians perform are going to be more successful if they are done when the skin barrier is healthy. If there is some skin irritation already going on, the results could take longer to appear.
Understanding the skin barrier can make cosmetologists and estheticians think critically about what is best for the client’s skin barrier to improve their skin health and reduce stress.
Wrap Up
The skin barrier can really make a difference in healthy and happy skin for your clients. As cosmetologists and estheticians, we need to understand what the skin barrier does and how we can keep our clients’ skin healthy.
Healthy skin can often be achieved by taking care of what is already there instead of trying to achieve more.