What Does Moisturizer Do for Your Skin Barrier?

We all love the satisfying feeling of applying a fresh layer of moisturizer and immediately gaining sweet relief from dry, itchy, or cracked skin. But what if you were to cut the moisturizer out of your skincare routine? Is this step a necessity, or would your skin be okay without it? What does moisturizer do to your face in the first place?

Moisturizer contributes way more to the health of our skin than just making it feel supple, smooth, and hydrated. This skincare staple plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier by hydrating and protecting it.

Confused about what a skin barrier is and why it’s important? Want to learn more about choosing the best moisturizer to keep your skin protected and happy? If so, you’re in the right place. Join us on a deep dive into the science of skin hydration so you can maintain healthy skin for years to come. 

What is the Skin Barrier?

Our skin has many layers beyond the surface level that we see. The three sections of the skin, in order from innermost to outermost, include:

1. A subcutaneous fatty layer
2. The dermis
3. The epidermis

Within these main layers, there are various sublayers. The top layer of the epidermis, or the thin external sheet of skin that we can see and touch, is called the stratum corneum. 

In conversational terms, we call this layer the skin barrier. 

This epidermal guardian is like a shield—your skin’s very last line of defense against the outside world. It protects our bodies against a slew of damaging factors like: 

• Environmental toxins
• Strong UV rays
• Humidity and dry weather

The skin barrier is also the section of the epidermis to which we apply skincare products. 

With the right non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, we can nourish the barrier and give it an extra layer of defense. On the other hand, using moisturizers that irritate the face can negatively impact the skin barrier. In these cases, some moisturizers can lead to acne or other unwanted skin conditions.

To avoid unintentionally disrupting the balance of this resilient yet sensitive barrier, read on to learn how you can support your skin with a smart moisturizing regimen. 

Understanding the Importance of Moisture

We all deal with dry or dehydrated skin from time to time, but it’s important to address these conditions before they’re allowed to go on for too long. 

This is because prolonged skin dryness can lead to problems like:

• Cracking skin
• Discomfort or itching
• Infection or inflammation

At best, failing to include this step in your skincare routine can lead to dull, possibly even flaky skin. At worst, you can encounter serious health ramifications as a result of neglecting your moisturizer. 

In extreme cases, dry skin that isn’t treated with the proper moisturization measures can turn rough or red and even bleed.

Using a non-pore-clogging moisturizing product is a must. But why are moisturizers so essential to a well-rounded skincare routine? It all comes down to science. 

How Moisturizers Work: The Science Behind Skin Nourishment

Ever since you were old enough to start adopting a personalized skincare routine, there’s a good chance you’ve incorporated a dedicated facial moisturizer into that regimen. But have you ever stopped to consider what moisturizers do?

Although moisturizers come in many different shapes, forms, and intensities, they all work based on one simple principle: Moisturizers supply a small amount of water to the skin and simultaneously contain an oil substance that helps lock that water inside the skin barrier.

So what does face moisturizer do to help our skin barrier perform its vital functions better?

It aids by: 

• Replenishing the hydration levels in our skin
• Preventing additional water loss
• Providing an extra layer of protection against irritants

Well-formulated products, such as serums with hydrating ingredients, can even offer the additional benefit of reversing signs of skin damage, acne, and aging. 

The moisturizer you use on a daily basis can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Read on to learn more about how you can make a wise selection that will revolutionize your facial hydration game. 

Choosing the Right Moisturizer by Skin Type

People who are born with a normal skin type that doesn’t display any particular sensitivities to different types of formulas or ingredients can often get away with trying out different skincare products. 

But those with more specific skin types, like those who deal with acne breakout problems or have oily skin, should choose their moisturizing product wisely. Here’s a quick crash course on what kind of product you might prefer depending on your skin type:

• Dry skin – If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, give your skin the extra boost of hydration it needs by opting for a thicker product, like a face cream or mask.

• Oily skin– If your skin already produces more than enough sebum to keep your face moisturized, you can gently supplement this natural hydration with a gel.

• Combination skin – Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer to only the areas that really need it and skipping over particularly oily zones. 

If you’re looking for trusted skincare solutions that will help you restore your skin barrier, our CLEARSTEM Skin Barrier Duo is the perfect all-in-one pairing. 

Unlock your most vibrant, dewy skin with this dynamic duo. Simply follow these two steps to start seeing a difference: 

1. Seal in moisture with the serum – BOUNCEBACK™ is a powerful serum that uses peptides and collagen-derived stem cells to boost your skin’s healing response. Adding it to your skincare routine is the ultimate investment in your epidermal health. 

1. Lock in moisture with the mask – The HYDRABERRY™ moisture mask is formulated to be highly effective for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It simultaneously protects and nourishes your skin barrier to soothe, plump, and revitalize your complexion all at once. 

Rehydrate Your Skin Barrier with CLEARSTEM

The skin is the largest organ in our body, and it’s one that we can’t afford to neglect. Our skin barriers work hard 24/7 to keep harmful toxins out while also locking the moisture we need. 

With our advanced CLEARSTEM skincare products, you can give your skin barrier a big defense boost. And when your skin is healthier, it will feel better, be more resilient, and look radiant. 

Sources: 

WebMD. What to Know About Your Skin Barrier and How to Protect It. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-barrier-what-to-know

Harvard Health. Moisturizers: Do they work? https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work