Sometimes we want to get out of it. More often, though, we're happy to lie lazily on it. Of course, there are also times when things get really intense. We're talking, of course, about the skin, the largest sensory organ of the human body. The receptors in our skin perceive touch, temperature, pressure, and pain.
Above all, the skin acts as a protective barrier, both internally and externally. It prevents excessive moisture loss from the body and also protects us against external influences such as bacteria and viruses. The fact that this latter—extremely vital—function is even possible is due to the stratum corneum, or skin barrier. And it is precisely this barrier that we should protect at all costs!
The skin barrier as a brick wall
Before considering skin preservation, it's important to understand how this barrier against harmful environmental factors is structured: The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis (outermost layer); the dermis (middle layer); and the subcutis (innermost layer). When discussing the skin barrier, we are always referring to the outermost layer, the epidermis (which is a good 150 layers thick).
To explain the function of this protective layer, dermatologists often use the analogy of bricklayers, comparing the barrier to a brick wall. And that's precisely how it's structured. Keratinocytes, or dead cells, are the thick "bricks," while the mortar responsible for cohesion consists of lipids, including ceramides and cholesterol. Laid together in this way, they form a dense structure, a physical wall.
Emulsifiers – the damage to the skin
Unfortunately, this wall – to continue the metaphor – is quite fragile. Even a little deficiencies or improper care can have dangerous consequences. Frequent washing, harsh cleansers, or simply the all-too-common emulsifiers (binders of oil and water) in creams cause the aforementioned "food" between the corneocytes to be washed away. Furthermore, the protective sebum layer is also damaged – allowing even more moisture to escape from the skin. A vicious cycle that absolutely must be broken.
But it's not just unsuitable skincare products that cause problems. UV radiation, pollution, tobacco smoke, products with the wrong pH value, poor diet, and stress also weaken the skin's protective barrier over time. The result is not just premature skin aging – but a real health risk.
How to identify the problems
The first sign of such barrier defects is dry skin. It announces itself with a noticeable feeling of tightness and progresses to the formation of light flaking. Subsequently, the skin cracks – even microscopic fissures are sufficient. For viruses, bacteria, or allergens, they are the size of wide-open barn doors. Further markers of a damaged stratum corneum include redness, inflamed areas, pimples, itching, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), and rosacea/eczema. Anyone who discovers these changes should consult their trusted dermatologist as soon as possible.
A salvation called the biomembrane
Once the damage is done, or rather, once the brick wall has collapsed, it takes time. Simple and quick solutions still don't exist – but long-term solutions do. Organic cosmetics is the key.Products based on the revolutionary Bio Membrane principle developed by skincare guru Bernd Kuhs are particularly effective at repairing damage. Kuhs' skincare creams, serums, and natural masks – sold under the name 48grams – mimic the lamellar structure of the skin's natural lipid barrier. This allows active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin and creates a re-sealing effect.
7 tips for a healthy skin barrier
In addition, there are a few, quite simple tips to keep in mind:
- Use gentle facial cleansers! Harsh products or classic bar soaps only have the effect of depriving the skin of moisture and nourishing substances.
- Always use lukewarm water! Temperatures that are too high or too low will cause unnecessary skin irritation.
- Avoid harsh scrubs! These can cause tiny cracks in the skin – or worsen existing injuries.
- All skincare products should be free of fragrances or essential oils! They make the skin more sensitive and thus reduce or stop its own repair-skin effect.
- Always ensure adequate UV protection! Every day. Because sun exposure always affects the skin barrier.
- Skin repair creams with a high hyaluronic acid content, ideally with oligohyaluronic acid, penetrate deep into the skin. The same applies to hyaluronic acid masks.
- To keep the skin's moisture balance consistently even, aloe vera masks should be used, preferably with aloe vera from Mallorca.
Stops the washing effect from the skin
Those who follow these guidelines will soon rediscover the joy of healthy skin. In conclusion: Optimal skincare should be specifically aimed at strengthening and maintaining the skin's protective barrier in the long term.
Finally, a word of caution, or rather… an appeal to reason: No one can ignore the harmful effects of artificial emulsifiers, mineral oils, and silicones anymore. Emulsifiers dissolve the skin's natural oil layer. To put it bluntly: The next time you wash your face, these emulsifiers will ensure that… When grease mixes with water, it can be literally wiped off the face. This is the infamous "washout effect".
Mineral oils, on the other hand, form a film on the skin that creates a silky feel. However, mineral oils do not integrate into the skin's natural structures. As a result, they too can damage the skin's protective barrier in the long term. Therefore, the solution lies in using organic cosmetic products.
