5 Nutrients to Heal Your Skin Barrier

Your Skin Barrier is the first line of defense to prevent your skin and body from pollution/bacteria/viruses.

So how does the skin barrier work? Well, it begins with the first layer (or outermost layer) called the stratum corneum—which is comprised of cells called corneocytes along with proteins and fat. We want this layer to be soft and hydrated, not dry and crunchy to avoid impairment. When we keep this layer soft and hydrated we allow the enzymes that live on this layer to do their job—which is naturally exfoliated, and communicate with the deeper layers on the needs above—for example, more or less sebum (aka oil).

The Acid Mantle (which is one layer below the skin barrier in the stratum lucidum) plays a crucial factor in your skin barrier function. It is the layer that maintains hydration above and below. It has a layer of water, with a layer of oil above it. The lower layer of water maintains hydration within the lower layers of skin, and the oil layer prevents the evaporation of that water. In the skin world, we refer to this as TEWL - Transepidermal Water Loss.

So—how do we create a healthy acid mantle and skin barrier? —HINT— IT IS NOT MORE SKINCARE……

The deeper layers of the skin mature and work towards our outer layer—aka the skin, we see daily the stratum corneum. If our inner cells are not healthy we get a poor functioning acid mantle and skin barrier. That can result in one of the conditions below:

• Acne

• Rosacea

• Perioral Dermatitis

• Eczema

• Recent or routine history of sun exposure and or burns

• Redness

• Dryness

• Itchy/Flakey skin

• Burning/Stinging skin (after topicals are applied

• Sensitivities

• Common infections in the skin such as a staph infection

• Needing to use Accutane or topical steroids

• and more.

To reach your skin goals we need to approach you -the individual- holistically and look at your gut health, mental load, and sleep patterns. As a Registered Nurse, I love to look at Beauty as a total 360 degrees—taking into account all areas stated above.

However—to help you in this EXACT instance let’s look at 5 nutrients that can help your skin.

1: Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient for collagen synthesis because it activates amino acids such as proline and lysine which help build collagen. Collagen is the golden ticket to youthfulness through plumping your skin up and maintaining tight elasticity. Internally Iron is essential to support our cell’s energy through mitochondrial function. This is how cells communicate, stem cell differentiation, and respond to microbial infections. Iron (due to its collagen and elastin stimulation) is key to wound healing. It is also vital to deliver oxygen to the cells and body. —Understanding how it can begin to help heal a damaged skin barrier?

2: Calcium

In order to regulate the skin’s function such as cell differentiation, skin barrier formation, and skin permeability you need calcium.

When the skin synthesizes antimicrobial peptides it releases calcium which enhances the skin’s barrier and its immunity.

3: Zinc

Zinc plays a large part in the skin’s ability to naturally exfoliate. It also helps in wound repair, membrane repair, and skin remodeling. Zinc’s antibacterial properties aid in the skin’s immunity, and host actions that help heal hormone-related acne in particular.

4: Vitamin A

Another one for aiding the skin’s ability to naturally exfoliate! Vitamin A is spectacular to help prevent cell buildup that can eventually result in an anaerobic environment that allows all acne-causing bacteria to multiply and flourish. It also plays a factor in collagen, aiding in the plumpness we see in our dermal layer of the skin which is the home to blood vessels that feed and repair our skin cells.

5: Essential Fatty Acids

A strong acid mantle NEEDS EFA’s as the healthy building blocks. Inflammatory skin conditions NEED a high-quality fish oil supplement.

EFAs help the skin maintain a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-6.5. This assists the skin’s ability to protect itself from infection all while maintaining a healthy microbiome.

If you feel you are suffering from an impaired skin barrier book a virtual consultation with me to heal your skin for the LAST TIME.