Makeup stuck? Skin flaking? Dry and itchy? Tight? Does your skin often suffer from these problems? The reason behind this is not just that hydration and moisturizing are not done properly, but it is actually closely related to the health of the skin barrier. So, what is the mysterious connection between the health of the skin barrier and hydration and moisturizing? In this article, let us explore the close relationship between skin health and moisturizing.
1. The close connection between skin structure and hydration and moisturizing
01 Stratum corneum: the key line of defense for skin barrier and moisturizing
The stratum corneum is composed of keratinocytes without nuclei and organelles and a thin layer of lipids, presenting a "brick wall structure". It is a key part of the skin barrier and function, and is closely related to moisturizing.
eratinocytes:During the migration process, a cornified mantle is formed, which then produces a natural moisturizing factor. The natural moisturizing factor plays an important role in maintaining skin elasticity, permeability and hydration. Once the natural moisturizing factor is reduced, it will cause dryness, itching and sensitivity of the skin.
Lipids:Divided into structural lipids and moisturizing lipids. Structural lipids can form a multilayer lamellar membrane, becoming an important barrier for substances to enter and exit the epidermis; moisturizing lipids have the functions of lubricating the skin, participating in barrier function and regulating pH value.
02 Spinous layer, granular layer : building a waterproof barrier
The nucleated epidermis also plays a key role in the barrier function. The acid phosphatase, hydrophobic phospholipids and lysosomes in it together form a waterproof barrier, making it difficult for water to penetrate from the outside of the body, and can effectively prevent the water under the stratum corneum from penetrating into the stratum corneum.
03 Basal layer: the relationship between water channel protein and moisturizing
The basal layer is located at the bottom of the epidermis. It is only a layer of columnar or cubic basal cells, which are arranged vertically with the basal membrane band in a fence shape. It takes about 28 days for keratinocytes to move from here to the stratum corneum and fall off. The water channel protein expressed by keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis is closely related to the moisturizing function of the skin.
04 Dermis: Hyaluronic acid maintains skin hydration
The dermis is composed of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, matrix and cellular components. Among the factors most related to moisturizing, hyaluronic acid in the dermal matrix performs outstandingly. 2% hyaluronic acid can maintain 98% of the water content of the skin mass fraction, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration.
2.Skin diseases related to moisturizing
The occurrence of many skin diseases is closely related to the decline of skin barrier function, and the occurrence of skin diseases and the damage of barrier function are often mutually causal.
01 Atopic dermatitis:
The sebum membrane is damaged, the ceramide content in the stratum corneum is reduced, the activity of ceramide synthase is reduced, the number of sebaceous glands is reduced and the secretion capacity is weakened. Repeated scratching and topical hormone preparations will further damage the skin barrier function.
02 Dry eczema:
The reduction of epidermal lipid synthesis, the decrease of stratum corneum water content, and the destruction of barrier function are important causes of eczema.
03 Skin sensitivity:
When the skin barrier function is damaged, exogenous antigens can easily enter the body through the skin, triggering allergic reactions and leading to skin sensitivity.
04 Ichthyosis:
It is related to the genetic defects of keratin and transglutaminase. The skin barrier function is severely damaged, the transepidermal water loss is large, and the skin is abnormally dry and tight.
05 Rosacea:
The damage of the skin barrier can make some irritants easily enter the epidermis and dermis, leading to capillary dilation, dermatitis, etc., aggravating skin lesions.
06 Dry skin:
The mucopolysaccharide in the dermis decreases, the water content decreases, and the vascular elasticity and permeability are weakened. At the same time, the fragility of the keratinocyte mantle protein increases, resulting in unstable arrangement of keratinocytes, decreased skin barrier function, and increased transepidermal water loss.
3.Strategies for caring for the skin barrier and moisturizing
The skin's moisturizing ability and skin barrier function affect each other, forming a vicious circle. Therefore, moisturizing is of great significance for maintaining the physiological function of the skin, delaying skin aging, and preventing and treating skin diseases. So, how do we choose the right skin care products for our daily skin care? You can consider it from the following aspects.
01 Powerful moisturizing ingredients make your skin hydrated
Sodium hyaluronate:
It has a strong water absorption capacity and can form a moisturizing film on the skin surface to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
Glycerin:
It can absorb moisture from the air, replenish moisture for the skin and relieve dryness.
Amino acids：
It can absorb moisture, regulate the pH of the skin, maintain the balance of the microecology, and is beneficial to skin health.
Natural moisturizing factor (NMF):
Strong water absorption, regulate oil secretion, and maintain the moisture content of the skin.
Betaine:
It has excellent moisturizing properties and can form a protective film on the skin surface to prevent moisture loss.
Trehalose:
It can form a unique protective film on the cell surface to maintain skin moisture and improve the skin's adaptability.
β-Glucan:
It can absorb and lock in moisture, enhance the skin's moisturizing effect, and also has a certain soothing effect.
02 Maintain skin lipids and strengthen barrier function
Ceramide:
As an important component of the skin barrier, it can repair damaged barriers, enhance skin moisturizing ability, and reduce water loss.
Squalane:
Similar to skin oil, it can moisturize and repair barriers, forming a protective film on the skin surface.
Jojoba oil:
Similar to human sebum, it is easily absorbed by the skin, can replenish skin lipids, and enhance skin barrier function.
Shea butter:
Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, it can moisturize the skin and maintain skin lipid balance.
Olive oil:
Contains rich unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which helps maintain the lipid structure of the skin and enhance the skin barrier.
03 Active repair ingredients to protect skin health
Ectoin:
It has strong moisturizing and repairing abilities, protects skin cells from external stimuli, and relieves inflammation.
Allantoin:
It has moisturizing and soothing effects, can promote cell regeneration, and reduce skin inflammatory reactions.
Centella asiatica extract:
Anti-inflammatory, repairs wounds, promotes collagen production, and relieves skin discomfort caused by inflammation.
Vitamin B5 (panthenol):
In addition to moisturizing and repairing the skin, it can also reduce skin inflammation to a certain extent and enhance the skin barrier function.
Bisabolol:
It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which can reduce skin sensitivity and inflammatory reactions.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate:
It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, which can relieve skin itching, redness and swelling and other discomforts.
Witch hazel extract:
It has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce skin inflammation and enhance skin tolerance.
4.Summary
The health of the skin barrier is closely related to hydration and moisturizing. The various structural layers of the skin work together to play a key role in moisturizing and barrier function. Skin diseases are often accompanied by barrier damage and decreased skin moisturizing ability, forming a vicious cycle. Daily care can be carried out in a variety of ways, such as using mild cleansing products, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using hydrating and moisturizing skin care products. Only by fully understanding and actively caring for the relationship between the two can you have healthy and strong skin.
