10 Ingredients to Resuscitate Compromised Barrier
Compromised barrier also known more commonly as sensitive skin, the outermost layer of the skin which acts as a barrier to environmental toxins, is non-uniform and vulnerable to damage.
The skin becomes especially prone to sensitive reactions ranging from rash, redness, dry skin, flaking and more.
If you are susceptible to these kinds of irritations, it is likely you have a compromised barrier or sensitive skin.
Environmental factors, overuse of skin care products with harsh ingredients, medications, autoimmune diseases, and even aggressive professional treatments are some of the factors that may cause flare-ups.
From the looks of it, a compromised barrier is complicated to manage but it’s not as bad as you think.
As the skin’s barrier is the uppermost layer of the skin, it is the most vulnerable to our environment. Similar to a gatekeeper, it protects the skin from bacteria, dirt, oil and any other intruders from entering.
However, with sensitive skin, there is a weakening of this shield and allows irritants to invade the skin’s microbiome more easily. Building up this protective layer could be the key to reducing skin sensitivity long term.
According to Rhonda Allison, a skincare company geared specifically to treat compromised skin and rosacea, there are 10 ingredients to repair and strengthen this skin type:
10 Ingredients To Resuscitate Compromised Barrier (from https://racbr.com/blogs/cbr/duis-aute-irure-dolor-in-reprehenderit-in)
Rose water extract – provides hydration, and reduces inflammation and irritation while also helping to maintain the skin’s pH balance. It also provides antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
Goats milk and milk protein – a natural skin rejuvenator and moisturizer with AHAs and vitamins, goats milk is often referred to as “nature’s liposomes” because it contains a pH close to the skin’s natural pH, which makes it effective in boosting hydration, lowering alkalinity and reducing the signs of inflammation. Milk protein also provides powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits, and contains immunoglobulins and vitamin D, which support cellular growth and healing.
Shea butter – a natural fat derived from the fruit of the karite tree, shea butter provides deep hydration and guards against dehydration.
L-arginine – one of the 20 primary amino acids, it accelerates wound healing, promotes collagen synthesis and increases skin elasticity. And when combined with the following ingredients, it creates a wonderful rejuvenator, gentle enough for compromised skin, but powerful enough to support cellular rejuvenation and repair.
L-mandelic acid – found in almonds, L-mandelic acid is an AHA that increases the ATP energy and gently loosens the glue-like substance holding skin cells together, which makes it very beneficial to those with compromised barriers. It also helps reduce inflammation and redness.
Epidermal growth factors (EGF) – composed of 53 amino acids, EGF is an important protein that heals skin injuries and stimulates cell proliferation.
Encapsulated retinaldehyde – similar to retinol in its ability to rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, it produces the least amount of skin irritation of all vitamin A derivatives, making it a great choice for compromised barrier. It supports skin repair, stimulates cellular cohesion, and eliminates bacteria.
Organic stem cells – these are powerful in skin rejuvenation and health as they support the rebuild of damaged tissues, preserve lipids, and increase antioxidant activity and collagen synthesis.
Hyaluronic acid – a natural glycosaminoglycan, it occurs naturally in the body, particularly in younger skin tissue. It has the ability to retain over a 1,000 times its weight in water within skin cells, while also removing waste matter from cells. HA is also known for its ability to reverse free radical damage and protect against UV damage.
Zinc and titanium dioxide – two naturally occurring minerals, they work by forming a protective physical barrier over the skin to block UV rays. As such, these minerals provide broad-spectrum protection, which reduces UVA-induced free-radical damage. Zinc also soothes and heals.
Be sure to check ingredient labels for these ingredients to support sensitive skin, remember to handle your skin with care, listen to your skin and stay away from anything too abrasive like granular scrubs!