The Hydro-lipid Film on your skin
Your skin barrier is the hydro-lipidic barrier, also called the ‘acid mantle’. It forms the skin’s outermost layer of defence and protection.
It consists of sebum (oils) and water. It also contains trillions of microbes – the so-called ‘microbiome’. Inside the corneocytes, we find NMFs (Natural Moisturising Factors) which assist in the maintenance of the correct moisture balance in the epidermis.
The acid mantle is a W/O water-in-oil barrier. In other words, the outside phase is lipids and the inside phase is water.
If there was a complete absence of the skin’s hydro-lipic barrier you could lose a considerable amount of water from your body through the skin.
Weakness of this hydro-lipidic barrier will cause visible problems on the skin.
If you look at this diagram closely you will see that when your skin is protected with a lipid film it will not allow nasty bacteria and viruses to enter. This is where emollients from our skin care are very important. To see the actual GIF check our Facebook page:
So what are emollients? They are the lipid content of your moisturiser. If you have oily skin and ignore this very important fact and use a water-based cream that is oil-free your skin will fail to thrive.
Emulsions come from oil, lotions, creams, gels and ointments. They are used to prevent skin dryness prevent trans epidermal water loss and maintain the integrity of your skin.
There are various types of emollients available and they usually contain oily substances such as lanolin and glycerol stearate.
There are three levels inherent to the hydro-lipidic barrier of the skin. They will each have different levels of hydration according to the age of your skin.
If you are not sure which age of hydration your skin requires read this article here: https://dermalessence.com.au/three-periods-of-hydration-in-the-skin-as-we-age/
I hope you enjoyed this wonderful insight into the skin.
If there is anything you are not sure about please don’t hesitate to email: patricia@dermalessence.com.au