# What Causes Skin Barrier Damage
Your skin barrier is like a protective shield that keeps moisture in and harmful substances out. When this barrier gets damaged, your skin becomes vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, and various skin problems. Understanding what damages this barrier is the first step toward keeping your skin healthy.
The skin barrier works by retaining moisture and preventing water loss. When it becomes compromised, it accelerates aging and increases inflammation throughout your skin. A damaged barrier makes your skin more permeable, meaning it absorbs substances at rates up to three to five times higher than healthy skin, which can lead to further irritation and sensitivity.
Environmental factors are among the most common culprits behind barrier damage. Heat, sun exposure, wind, fragrance, alcohol-based products, and harsh exfoliants all assault your skin’s protective layer. Even excessive exercise can trigger barrier damage. These environmental aggressors constantly bombard your skin, compromising its ability to function properly.
Your lifestyle choices play a significant role in barrier health. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which directly impairs your skin’s ability to repair itself. Poor sleep disrupts the cellular regeneration process that keeps your barrier strong. Inadequate nutrition also weakens your skin’s defenses, making it harder for your body to maintain a healthy protective layer.
The skin barrier depends on a delicate balance of microorganisms living on your skin. When this microbiome becomes imbalanced, harmful bacteria can proliferate and trigger inflammatory responses. Excessive cleansing, antibiotic use, and certain dietary habits can all disrupt this equilibrium, leading to chronic inflammation and barrier damage.
Your immune system’s health directly affects your skin barrier. When your immune system becomes dysregulated, it can mistakenly identify harmless substances as threats and trigger unnecessary inflammatory responses. This immune dysfunction can be influenced by genetics, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices.
The connection between your gut and skin is more important than many people realize. The gastrointestinal system directly affects skin health through interactions between your immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. When your gut becomes inflamed, it can manifest as skin barrier damage and various inflammatory skin conditions.
Sources
https://seacra.com/blogs/skin-within/chronic-inflammation
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/understanding-blemish-prone-skin-causes-treatments-prevention
https://thenakedchemist.com/redness-on-cheeks/
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skincare/signs-of-a-compromised-skin-barrier-expert-guide
