Preserving the Skin's Moisture Barrier
The outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis, forms a protective barrier against the outside world. The epidermis protects you in several ways: It prevents dangerous micro-organisms, chemicals and pollutants from entering your body; it protects you against 80 percent of the ultraviolet light rays that hit your skin; it provides protection against physical elements, and it prevents moisture from leaving your skin.
The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, plays the most significant role in preventing moisture loss. Think of the stratum corneum as a wall built from bricks and mortar. In the case of the skin, the bricks consist of a protein called keratin, and the mortar of oily substances called lipids. In healthy skin, the keratin and lipids join to form an effective barrier that keeps moisture inside your body.
If this protective layer is disturbed (for example, if a harsh cleanser is used), the skin will temporarily lose its natural moisture barrier and feel dry, tight and uncomfortable. If the abuse is ongoing, external irritants and potentially dangerous organisms can penetrate the keratin and enter the lower layers of the epidermis, posing further risk to the health of the skin.
Finding the Right Cleanser
A good skin cleanser will rid your skin of makeup, sweat, surface dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria and excess oil without stripping away the natural moisture barrier. If your skin feels dry after washing, you may want to invest in a cleanser that contains moisturizers. (Look for a cleanser with both an “emollient” moisturizer to help the skin hold its moisture and a “humectant” to draw water to the skin.)
Other Ways to Winterize Your Skin
Aside from washing with a mild cleanser, the following tips will help preserve your natural moisture barrier and keep your skin well hydrated during the colder months:
- Wash with lukewarm water.
- Don’t use a rough washcloth or other abrasive cleansing aid.
- Pat, don’t rub your skin dry.
- Use a moisturizer immediately after washing.
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