Ageing and the skin barrier

Ageing and the skin barrier

Your skin is made up of many different layers, and the skin barrier is the outermost one. Put in the simplest of terms, it is made up of a brick-and-mortar type structure; the skin cells represent the bricks and lipids act as the cement that holds them together. The skin barrier has one especially important function; keep the good stuff (hydration) in and the bad stuff (irritants) out.

As you age, your body will naturally go through a multitude of changes, including transformations in your skin barrier which can impact its function and overall health. The skin barrier naturally weakens as it gets older so, lets delve into the epidermis and explore how your skin changes with age.

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Thinning of the epidermis

As you get older your older your skin will gradually become thinner due to a natural decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. Thinner skin is more prone to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can lead to a compromised skin barrier and an increase in sensitivity.

Decrease in natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) 

NMFs are natural substances found in the skin that play a crucial role in retaining water and maintaining hydration within the skin. The production of NMFs decreases with age and the skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes, making it more prone to dehydration and sensitivity.

Decline in Sebum Production

Sebum is the skin's natural oil that helps to keep it moisturised and balanced. With age, the sebaceous glands within the skin produce less sebum, leading to a reduction in lipids and an increase in TEWL, causing potential dryness and impaired barrier function. 

Altered pH balance

The skin's pH balance is crucial for maintaining healthy barrier function. Ageing can disrupt this delicate balance, which in turn can disrupt the activity of enzymes and microbiome, leaving skin more susceptible to sensitivity and irritation. 

Decreased cellular turnover 

Cellular turnover is the process of shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones. The rate of cellular turnover slows down as you get older, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's surface which can cause clogged pores and hinder moisture absorption.

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How to support your skin

When it comes to finding a routine to help support your skin barrier as it ages, look for products that restore lost hydration and moisture and help to protect the skin from free radical damage.

Cleanse without stripping 

Kick-start your barrier-boosting routine with Evercalm™ Gentle Cleansing Gel, a non-stripping cleanser formulated for sensitive skin enriched with a Prebiotic Extract and Beta-Glucan to help support the skin’s microbiome and alleviate the visible signs of sensitivity. Try to avoid over cleansing and always remember to use lukewarm water. 

Slather on a serum

Once the skin has been gently cleansed, apply Bio Retinoid™ Youth Serum which has been specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles after 7 days, we have supercharged our serum with our naturally derived retinol alternative, Bidens Pilosa; plus, we have added Niacinamide and Ceramides to help protect against free radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. 

Elevate with an elixir 

Step number three is Evercalm™ Barrier Support Elixir, a lightweight facial oil clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier. Enriched with 7 skin-strengthening oils, this microbiome-friendly oil intensively replenishes skin with lipids. If you feel like your skin is especially dry and needs some added TLC, reach for Bio Retinoid™ Youth Concentrate Oil, packed with ultra-nourishing Organic Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils to help promote suppleness and reduce roughness.

Maximise the moisture

Regularly reach for moisturisers that replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. Put skin sensitivity to bed and help repair a damaged skin barrier while you sleep with Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm. Powered by Enzymatically Activated Oils, this lipid balm wraps your skin in a comforting blanket to help minimise TEWL and reduce sensitivity during your skin’s overnight regenerative process.

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