From the Guidelines
The skin barrier can be damaged by various factors including harsh soaps and cleansers, excessive washing, hot water, environmental conditions like low humidity and cold weather, UV radiation, and certain chemicals in skincare products. Physical trauma such as over-exfoliation, aggressive scrubbing, or using abrasive tools can also compromise the barrier. Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea inherently involve barrier dysfunction, as noted in the Taiwan guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric atopic dermatitis 1. Certain medications, particularly retinoids and topical steroids, may temporarily weaken the barrier during treatment. Poor lifestyle habits including inadequate hydration, lack of sleep, high stress levels, smoking, and poor nutrition can further impair skin barrier function.
The skin barrier consists of lipids, ceramides, and proteins that form a protective layer, and when damaged, it leads to increased water loss, inflammation, sensitivity, and vulnerability to irritants and pathogens. Maintaining a gentle skincare routine with moisturizers containing barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid can help protect and repair the skin barrier. According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, hand hygiene during COVID-19 can be managed with recommendations that include avoiding irritants and using barrier creams or regular moisturizers to replenish skin barrier integrity and function 1.
Some key factors to avoid that can damage the skin barrier include:
- Harsh soaps and cleansers
- Excessive washing
- Hot water
- Environmental conditions like low humidity and cold weather
- UV radiation
- Certain chemicals in skincare products
- Physical trauma such as over-exfoliation or aggressive scrubbing
- Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
- Certain medications like retinoids and topical steroids
- Poor lifestyle habits including inadequate hydration, lack of sleep, high stress levels, smoking, and poor nutrition.
It is essential to identify and avoid irritants, and to use gentle skincare products that support the skin barrier, as recommended by the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis 1. Using moisturizers with barrier-supporting ingredients and maintaining a gentle skincare routine can help protect and repair the skin barrier, reducing the risk of increased water loss, inflammation, sensitivity, and vulnerability to irritants and pathogens.
From the FDA Drug Label
Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Sun alaert: Limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreens may reduce the risks of skin aging, skin cancer, and other harmful effects of the sun.
The following can damage the skin barrier:
From the Research
Factors Damaging the Skin Barrier
- Irritants, such as those found in certain soaps or environmental exposures, can damage the skin barrier 3, 4, 5
- Extreme temperatures, air pollution, wildfire smoke, pollen, and detergents can also cause skin barrier dysfunction 6
- Physical influences, including scratching and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, can damage the skin barrier 6
- Changes in lipid composition and epidermal differentiation can lead to a disturbed skin barrier, allowing the entry of environmental allergens and leading to immunological reactions and inflammation 7
Specific Examples of Skin Barrier Damage
- Repeated hand washing with certain soap products can lead to irritant contact dermatitis and damage to the skin barrier 5
- Exposure to environmental allergens, such as those found in air pollution or pollen, can damage the skin barrier and lead to atopic conditions 6
- Certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, are characterized by a disturbed skin barrier 7
Mechanisms of Skin Barrier Damage
- The skin barrier is composed of multiple components, including the stratum corneum, corneocytes, and lipid-enriched intercellular domains 7
- Damage to the skin barrier can occur through disruption of these components, leading to increased permeability and susceptibility to environmental allergens and irritants 3, 7
- The skin barrier can be influenced by various factors, including cytokines, cAMP, and calcium, which can impact its formation and maintenance 7