Natural ingredients that can help support a healthy skin barrier

Your skin barrier serves to protect your body and internal organs from harsh environmental stressors and free radicals. Protecting your skin barrier with the use of natural oils, ceramides and humectants are vital to keep your skin barrier healthy. 

Below are a list of ingredients to support your skin barrier and maintaining its’ moisture all year-round. 

+ Ceramides

Ceramides are the building blocks of our skin, and are said to be the most important component for maintaining the function of the skin barrier. They essentially are the fatty molecules that help the skin retain its moisture and reduces the amount of water loss.

+ Fatty Acids 

Fatty acids are found in various natural oils including jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil (just to name a few). Fatty acids support the skin’s lipid barrier, which reduces water loss, making the skin more supple.

+ Squalene 

Squalene is a natural lipid found in your skin’s sebum (or oil glands). It is essential for hydration and serves as a natural emollient. 

+ Humectants 

Humectants are ingredients that hold onto water (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid). These ingredients hydrate the epidermis, but require an occlusive layer of lipids (cream/oil) to repair the compromised skin barrier. 

+ Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are able to protect the skin against free-radicals, inflammation and oxidative stress- which are all various reasons why the skin barrier can become damaged. Look for various botanical ingredients that all contain natural antioxidants (including aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, and essential oils).