What is the importance of the skin barrier?

Your skin’s uppermost layer acts as a protective barrier and is your dermis’s first line of defence from environmental aggressors such as UV exposure and pollution. But if it’s compromised or weakened, you may find that it becomes irritated and more prone to sensitivity. Here, we take a look at the best CeraVe products to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy.

Why is your skin barrier important?

A healthy skin barrier retains water and locks in hydration, while also defending your body from environmental threats. Its healthy function relies upon lipids (oils) and fats, including ceramides. If aggressors or harsh products strip the skin of these oils, the skin’s barrier function can be weakened. This compromises its ability to retain water and causes the skin to look dry and dull. Chemicals can also penetrate it, increasing your skin’s sensitivity and often causing inflammation and redness. Make sure your skin barrier remains healthy by regularly using ceramide-rich cleansers and moisturisers.

What products can help to keep your skin barrier healthy?

Every CeraVe skincare product is enriched with a blend of three essential ceramides (ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II), along with fatty acids and other lipids. These help to replenish the skin’s existing ceramides and strengthen its barrier function. Use a gentle cleanser rather than an abrasive scrub to keep your skin’s surface clear of dirt, dust and excess oil without stripping it of essential moisture or causing any damage.

“The CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains an amino acid-based surfactant that helps to cleanse the skin while replenishing the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor,” says Dr. Michelle Henry. “It is a rich, dense cream foam that feels elegant and cleans effectively.”

“Stripping skincare can disrupt the skin barrier function, whilst this formulation helps to support it for healthy skin,” she adds. “The foaming mechanism helps to lift dirt and oil more effectively; however, the use of a gentle surfactant leaves the skin hydrated not stripped.”

The CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a rich cream designed to maintain the skin barrier and lock-in moisture for up to 24-hour hydration. It is specifically formulated to moisturise dry sensitive skin and delivers controlled, lasting hydration even in the harsher winter months. For a lightweight alternative that offers the same intense hydration, try our CeraVe Moisturising Lotion.