FEB 12
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
What is the Function of Skin as a Protective Barrier?
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
FEB 12
What is the Function of Skin as a Protective Barrier?
Our skin’s outermost layer–known as the skin barrier–is responsible for regulating and protecting our bodies from the outside world. Skin is unique compared to our other organs in that we are largely able to observe its status and health visually; however, there is much more to the skin’s structure and function than meets the eye.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the structure of the skin barrier, how many layers of protective barriers exist in our skin, and the function of the skin as a protective barrier. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate different topical skin care products, foods, and lifestyle choices to nurture all layers of the skin and keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.Why is the skin barrier important?
The skin barrier is designed to withstand harsh environments and must retain its ability to quickly repair, reshape, and regenerate itself over time. As the skin barrier becomes weakened due to damage, age, or stress, your body’s first line of defense against its external environment is compromised.
This puts your internal system at risk for infection, inflammation, and injury. Additionally, your body expends precious immune system resources focused on skin barrier repair rather than fending off internal damage, putting your entire system at higher risk for system-wide disorders.
Why is skin an effective barrier?
The skin also serves as a moisture barrier. The lipid barrier prevents water from evaporating from the surface of the skin. This helps to keep the body hydrated and healthy. Additionally, the natural moisturizing factor in the skin helps to attract and bind water molecules, keeping the skin strong and flexible.
Finally, the skin helps to regulate the body’s temperature. The deeper layers of the skin contain fat cells that help to insulate the body. This, along with your skin’s ability to sweat, helps to regulate the body’s temperature and protect it from varying temperatures.
What are the 3 barriers of the skin?
- Epidermis, the outermost layer: composed of dead skin cells. This layer forms a wall-like structure of dead skin cells to protect against damage and infection. This barrier is also referred to as the “moisture barrier” because of its impressive, water-retaining properties.
- Dermis, the middle layer: composed of a network of collagen and elastin fibers. This layer helps to keep the skin strong and resilient and supports molecular and immune function. Here is where you’ll find connective tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat glands.
- Hypodermis, innermost layer: composed of fat cells to insulate the body and give a denser structure.
What are the 2 main functions of the skin barrier?
What is the protective barrier of the skin called?
What is the skin's barrier made of?
The skin also has natural moisturizing factors that help to keep the skin hydrated and the barrier strong. These factors are made up of amino acids, lactic acids, and urea, which attract and bind water molecules. Additionally, the skin has an acid mantle, which is a thin protective layer of fatty acids and sebum that helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance and protect it from bacteria and other pathogens.
What causes skin barrier damage?
- Cold, dry environments can significantly contribute to a compromised skin barrier due to the rapid removal of moisture essential oils in the skin needed to maintain tissue homeostasis.4
- Damaging or ineffective skin care and skin products can also lead to the accumulation of dirt/pollutants or over-exfoliation, which can compromise the structure and function of the skin. Additionally, skin barrier damage can be caused by certain skin care ingredients, such as parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and alcohol. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance, resulting in a dysfunctional lipid barrier.5
- Diet and lifestyle can also greatly affect skin function and appearance. Irregular or inadequate water intake can lead to skin dehydration. Unhealthy foods rich in trans fats can cause acne-prone and oily skin 6. Other lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol intake, and stress, can increase the skin’s biological age and compromise its function7.
- Overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause extensive DNA damage in our skin cells and be devastating to our body’s overall health. Stress can also provoke endocrine and immune-mediated tissue remodeling in the skin, which can alter the lipid barrier8.
How can I promote a healthy skin barrier?
- Moisturize and use sunscreen. Fortifying your skin’s lipid barrier with an effective peptide moisturizer and protecting skin from UV rays (even in the winter!9) is key to skin barrier protection.
- Avoid smoking and engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation and yoga, and be sure to eat healthily! Research shows that a healthy diet with whole foods and healthy fats (fish oils, antioxidants, green veggies), and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, can truly promote younger-looking and better-functioning skin.
- Revamp your skincare routine. Proper facial cleansing and moisturizing are key ways to preserve skin function. OneSkin has developed a scientifically validated line of skin health products powered by the OS-01 peptide: scientifically proven to increase the epidermal thickness of lab-grown ex vivo human skin models. OS-01 FACE is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function by +15% on average (trans-epidermal water loss measured via a vapometer in a 12-week clinical study performed by a third-party CRO).
Conclusions
- The skin is the largest organ of our body and is responsible for protecting us from harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, bacteria, and viruses. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is an important part of maintaining whole body health, as it helps to keep the skin, our largest organ, hydrated and protected.
- The skin barrier is made up of several components, including lipids, fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These components work together to form a strong, healthy skin barrier. The skin functions as a protective barrier in several ways, including fending off harmful environmental factors, keeping moisture in, and regulating the body’s temperature.
- Knowing how to tell if your skin barrier is damaged is key. Skin barrier damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental factors and certain skincare ingredients. Incorporating topical skin care products to nurture all the important layers of the skin, making lifestyle choices that promote healthy skin, and eating foods that strengthen our skin can all help to keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21938268
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17008883/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441980/
- https://oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/dry-flaky-skin-on-face
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/benefits-of-cleansing-face
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/what-foods-cause-acne
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/yes-you-need-sunscreen-during-winter
Our skin’s outermost layer–known as the skin barrier–is responsible for regulating and protecting our bodies from the outside world. Skin is unique compared to our other organs in that we are largely able to observe its status and health visually; however, there is much more to the skin’s structure and function than meets the eye.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the structure of the skin barrier, how many layers of protective barriers exist in our skin, and the function of the skin as a protective barrier. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate different topical skin care products, foods, and lifestyle choices to nurture all layers of the skin and keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.Why is the skin barrier important?
The skin barrier is designed to withstand harsh environments and must retain its ability to quickly repair, reshape, and regenerate itself over time. As the skin barrier becomes weakened due to damage, age, or stress, your body’s first line of defense against its external environment is compromised.
This puts your internal system at risk for infection, inflammation, and injury. Additionally, your body expends precious immune system resources focused on skin barrier repair rather than fending off internal damage, putting your entire system at higher risk for system-wide disorders.
Why is skin an effective barrier?
The skin also serves as a moisture barrier. The lipid barrier prevents water from evaporating from the surface of the skin. This helps to keep the body hydrated and healthy. Additionally, the natural moisturizing factor in the skin helps to attract and bind water molecules, keeping the skin strong and flexible.
Finally, the skin helps to regulate the body’s temperature. The deeper layers of the skin contain fat cells that help to insulate the body. This, along with your skin’s ability to sweat, helps to regulate the body’s temperature and protect it from varying temperatures.
What are the 3 barriers of the skin?
- Epidermis, the outermost layer: composed of dead skin cells. This layer forms a wall-like structure of dead skin cells to protect against damage and infection. This barrier is also referred to as the “moisture barrier” because of its impressive, water-retaining properties.
- Dermis, the middle layer: composed of a network of collagen and elastin fibers. This layer helps to keep the skin strong and resilient and supports molecular and immune function. Here is where you’ll find connective tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat glands.
- Hypodermis, innermost layer: composed of fat cells to insulate the body and give a denser structure.
What are the 2 main functions of the skin barrier?
What is the protective barrier of the skin called?
What is the skin's barrier made of?
The skin also has natural moisturizing factors that help to keep the skin hydrated and the barrier strong. These factors are made up of amino acids, lactic acids, and urea, which attract and bind water molecules. Additionally, the skin has an acid mantle, which is a thin protective layer of fatty acids and sebum that helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance and protect it from bacteria and other pathogens.
What causes skin barrier damage?
- Cold, dry environments can significantly contribute to a compromised skin barrier due to the rapid removal of moisture essential oils in the skin needed to maintain tissue homeostasis.4
- Damaging or ineffective skin care and skin products can also lead to the accumulation of dirt/pollutants or over-exfoliation, which can compromise the structure and function of the skin. Additionally, skin barrier damage can be caused by certain skin care ingredients, such as parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and alcohol. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance, resulting in a dysfunctional lipid barrier.5
- Diet and lifestyle can also greatly affect skin function and appearance. Irregular or inadequate water intake can lead to skin dehydration. Unhealthy foods rich in trans fats can cause acne-prone and oily skin 6. Other lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol intake, and stress, can increase the skin’s biological age and compromise its function7.
- Overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause extensive DNA damage in our skin cells and be devastating to our body’s overall health. Stress can also provoke endocrine and immune-mediated tissue remodeling in the skin, which can alter the lipid barrier8.
How can I promote a healthy skin barrier?
- Moisturize and use sunscreen. Fortifying your skin’s lipid barrier with an effective peptide moisturizer and protecting skin from UV rays (even in the winter!9) is key to skin barrier protection.
- Avoid smoking and engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation and yoga, and be sure to eat healthily! Research shows that a healthy diet with whole foods and healthy fats (fish oils, antioxidants, green veggies), and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, can truly promote younger-looking and better-functioning skin.
- Revamp your skincare routine. Proper facial cleansing and moisturizing are key ways to preserve skin function. OneSkin has developed a scientifically validated line of skin health products powered by the OS-01 peptide: scientifically proven to increase the epidermal thickness of lab-grown ex vivo human skin models. OS-01 FACE is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function by +15% on average (trans-epidermal water loss measured via a vapometer in a 12-week clinical study performed by a third-party CRO).
Conclusions
- The skin is the largest organ of our body and is responsible for protecting us from harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, bacteria, and viruses. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is an important part of maintaining whole body health, as it helps to keep the skin, our largest organ, hydrated and protected.
- The skin barrier is made up of several components, including lipids, fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These components work together to form a strong, healthy skin barrier. The skin functions as a protective barrier in several ways, including fending off harmful environmental factors, keeping moisture in, and regulating the body’s temperature.
- Knowing how to tell if your skin barrier is damaged is key. Skin barrier damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental factors and certain skincare ingredients. Incorporating topical skin care products to nurture all the important layers of the skin, making lifestyle choices that promote healthy skin, and eating foods that strengthen our skin can all help to keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21938268
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17008883/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441980/
- https://oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/dry-flaky-skin-on-face
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/benefits-of-cleansing-face
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/what-foods-cause-acne
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/
- https://www.oneskin.co/blogs/reference-lab/yes-you-need-sunscreen-during-winter
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Discover More
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managin...
What Is Causing the Uneven Skin Tone On Your Body?
Celebrating Black History Month: A Discussion With...
Skin Hyperpigmentation 101: What It Is & How To Tr...
Good Genes vs. Good Habits: Which Impacts Your Lon...
How Do Our Products Work Together?
How to Reduce Skin Inflammation & Redness
How to Strengthen Your Skin: A Guide to Thicker, H...
Better Elasticity, More Firmness: Discover OS-01 E...
The Top 4 Prickly Pear Benefits for Skin
How To Get Rid of Crepey Skin: 7 Solutions
Moved - A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and...
Why cellular senescence is more than just one of t...
How OS-01 Works on Mature Skin
7 Causes For Crepey Skin Under Eyes
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Your Skin?
Longevity Lifestyle #4 - Sleep Optimization
When to Apply Sunscreen: Before or After Moisturiz...
This is the Data to Look For When Choosing Skin Ca...
Senotherapeutics, Senolytics, and Senomorphics -- ...
This is the Data to Look For When Choosing Skin Ca...
How is OS-01 EYE different from OS-01 FACE?
Biological Age: What is Biological Age, Why Does i...
How to Incorporate OneSkin’s OS-01 Topical Supplem...
Exploring the Difference Between Hydrating and Moi...
How OS-01 Can Help Your Collagen Levels As You Age
Retinol 101: Debunking Retinol as the Gold Standar...
An In-Depth Look at Glycerin: What is it and What ...
Peptides vs Retinol: Is One Better For Increasing ...
Moved - An In-Depth Look At The Benefits Of Moring...
Is Fragrance Bad for Your Skin?
Cell Turnover & Why It Slows As We Age
What your skincare routine is missing (Hint. It’s ...
Is This The Root Cause of Aging?
The Top 10 Best Foods for Skin Repair
The 101 Guide To Understanding Acne-Prone Skin
Three Ways To Extend Your Skinspan Starting With Y...
UV Damage Increases Cellular Senescence. Here's Ho...
What is Skin Cycling? Understanding, Embracing, an...
Moved - How to Tighten the Skin Under Your Eyes
How To Boost Skin Moisture For Your Entire Body Fr...
Gut Health and Skin: How Are They Connected?
What Foods Cause Acne and Which Fight Against It?
4 Steps to Crafting the Perfect Skin Care Routine ...
How to Prevent Skin Aging Before It Starts
3 Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Glow...
4 Essential Face Cleansing Steps to Achieving a Ra...
A Simplified Guide To The Different Skin Texture T...
How to Brighten Eyes and Under-Eyes
Yes, You Need Sunscreen During Winter
Moved - UV Damage Increases Cellular Senescence. H...
Navigating Anti-Aging Skincare: The industry, the ...
Clean Beauty: What “clean” really means and why “s...
101 Guide on The Benefits of Cleansing Your Face
Get to Know OneSkin’s Topical Supplements:
...OS-
Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Skincare: The pros and c...
4 Foods To Avoid During Wound Healing & Why
Do You Know What Clinical Claims Really Mean?
Making Sense of Sunscreen: Understanding the Diffe...
Symptoms and Causes of Melasma on Face
2 Types of Wrinkles and Tips for Treating Them
Are There Dangers of Retinol Cream Use
What is The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?
UV Light and Skin: Effects and Protection Strategi...
Discover Why Our New SPF Outperforms the Rest
Navigating Sunscreen Labels: Unwanted Ingredients ...
Beyond UV Protection: 7 Surprising Ways Sunscreen ...
The Science of Sunscreen: Understanding the Optima...
Understanding Marionette Lines: Causes and Prevent...
Hands and Dermal Elasticity: Understanding and Man...
Age Gracefully: How to Manage Neck Wrinkles and Ac...
How to Preserve Your Feet: 5 Strategies for Wrinkl...
The EU is Limiting Retinol in Skincare: Here’s Eve...
Why You Should Use OS-01 FACE & OS-01 SHIELD Toget...
The Top 5 Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Skin
What is Epidermal Thickness & Why Does it Matter?
Winter Skincare - How To Prevent Dry Skin this Sea...
Can a Plant-Based Diet Really Increase Your Health...
How to Know if Your Skin Barrier is Damaged
Tight Feeling Skin: 3 Reasons Why
Our Story: Learn more about the history of OneSkin...
How to Strengthen Your Skin: A Guide to Thicker, H...
What is the Function of Skin as a Protective Barri...
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol?
OneSkin Featured In Tony Robbins’ Life Force
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Differe...
Stressed Skin: 4 Stress Effects on the Skin
How Relationships, Community, & Social Interaction...
How OneSkin Developed the OS-01 Peptide
Better Elasticity, More Firmness: Discover OS-01 E...
Exploring the skin’s purpose in whole-body health
What Are The Causes Of Dry, Flaky Skin On Your Fac...
Senotherapeutics, Senolytics, and Senomorphics -- ...
Dry Skin 101: How To Identify This Skin Type Moved
Are Parabens Bad for Your Skin?
How To Smooth Skin Texture On The Face: 4 Expert T...
What is Tinted Sunscreen?
Face vs. Body Sunscreen: Can You Use Body Sunscree...
Sun Spots: Causes & 3 Prevention Tips
What Are Free Radicals and How Do They Impact Skin...
Our Research Has Been Published in npj Aging
6 Factors That Contribute to Slow Skin Healing
How To Create A Hydrating Skin Care Routine For Dr...
More Than Skin Deep: How Physical Touch Predicts L...
Ingredient Spotlight: Bentonite Uses, Benefits, & ...
Unlocking the Science of Wrinkles: Causes, Formati...
Diving into Dermis: Functions and Significance
What is a peptide?
Peptides: the first piece o
...Peptides: the first piece o
What happens to skin as a person ages?
How to Address Stomach Wrinkles For Smoother Skin
Target Cellular Senescence with the Highest Concen...
The Science of Gratitude
101 Guide To Restoring Dry Skin Around The Eyes
How to Prevent Skin Aging Before It Starts Moved
The Science Behind Why The Skin Around the Eyes Ag...
The Top 6 Best Antioxidants For Skin Health and Lo...
4 Essential Face Cleansing Steps to Achieving a Ra...
What is Sustainable Packaging for Cosmetic Product...
SKIN CARE IS HEALTH CARE: WHY EXTENDING YOUR SKINS...
What is Skin Inflammation? What Causes it?
Safe Beauty, Validated: Why OneSkin trusts SkinSAF...
101 Guide To Restoring Dry Skin Around The Eyes Mo...
How Do You Know When to Stop Using Retinol?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Skin ...
Special Announcement: OneSkin to Donate 1% of Tota...
Cleanser Vs. Face Wash: Which Should I Reach For?
Retinol 101: Debunking Retinol as the Gold Standar...
Young skin - how to keep it not just looking young...
How to Reverse (or Prevent) Aging Skin
What is Normal Skin & Do I Have This Skin Type?
Understanding Oily Skin: Causes & Characteristics
OneSkin’s 12-Week Clinical Study to Validate the E...
How chronic stress makes you age faster
How OS-01 EYE Supports the Ultra-Thin Skin Around ...
Eye Skin Ages Faster: Here’s How OS-01 Can Help
7 Causes For Crepey Skin Under Eyes Moved
Hypodermis: Exploring Its Vital Functions
Removing Sunscreen: Tips for Clean and Healthy Ski...
Lip Sunscreen: Do Lips Need SPF Protection?
7 Benefits of Andiroba Oil For Skin
How to Use Peptides In Your Skincare Regimen to Op...
An In-Depth Look at Glycerin: What is it and What ...
What is Sensitive Skin? Moved
What Causes Dark Circles Under and Around Your Eye...
What Causes Crepey Skin & Can It Be Avoided Altoge...
Exploring the Difference Between Hydrating and Moi...
How To Create A Hydrating Skin Care Routine For Dr...
Does Niacinamide Help With Acne & Scarring?
How to Repair & Restore Your Skin Barrier
Moved - A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfe...
OneSkin Notable Mention: Dave Asprey's The Human U...
The Lip Lineage: Exploring the Why Behind Wrinkled...
How OS-01 Works With Different Skin Types
What Is Exfoliation & Is It A Necessary Measure Fo...
OneSkin launches MolClock, the first skin-specific...
What Do Antioxidants Do For Skin and Why Should Yo...
Exploring the Benefits of Glycerin for Skin Health...
How Does Sunscreen Work? How Long Does it Last?
A Journey Through the Skin: How UV Radiation Cause...
Skin Microbiome: What It Is, Why it’s Important, A...
Why We Want Skin To Be More, Not Less
You’re only as old as you feel, scientists are fin...
What is the Best Skin Care Regimen for Aging Skin?
Ceramides For Skin: Everything You Need to Know
Longevity Lifestyle #3 - Exercise & Mitochondrial ...
6 Benefits of Jojoba Oil
101 Guide To Skin Tightening + 7 Noninvasive Metho...
How to Skin Cycle: A Guide to Optimize Your Skin C...
Longevity Lifestyle #1 - Cold Exposure: Hype or Lo...
What is Skin Elasticity & How Can You Improve It?
Where Skin Health Meets Longevity
Allantoin For Skin: A Comprehensive Guide
Five Common Skin Problems Experienced in Perimenop...