Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1539961
Protection. Education. Connection. There's an app for that at ascpskincare.com/app 89 TREATING AN IMPAIRED BARRIER Fortunately, an impaired barrier can be repaired with a thoughtful approach that prioritizes hydration, balance, and barrier-strengthening ingredients and minimizes active ingredients in the process. Restoring skin health begins with identifying supportive ingredients that address both the structural integrity of the barrier and the balance of the microbiome. Topical Pre- and Probiotics These ingredients help restore balance to the skin microbiota, strengthening the barrier's natural defense against harmful bacteria. By fostering beneficial microorganisms, pre- and probiotics reduce the likelihood of dysbiosis, an imbalance that often accompanies barrier damage. Humectants Ingredients like sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, replenishing hydration and reducing flakiness. This not only relieves dryness but also helps the skin better tolerate active acne-fighting ingredients. Peptides and Ceramides Ceramides are essential lipids that fill the gaps between skin cells, much like mortar between bricks. Replenishing the natural ceramides in the skin strengthens the barrier. Peptides support elasticity, texture, and hydration, helping the skin recover its resilience. Anti-Inflammatories Ingredients with calming properties play a key role in soothing redness, irritation, and discomfort. They help reduce acne-related inflammation while supporting the skin's ability to repair itself. Antioxidants Free radicals from ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, and stress can further damage an already weakened barrier. Antioxidants defend against this damage, preventing further breakdown and supporting long-term skin health. Oral Support Internal supplementation—from zinc, omega-3s, and pre- and probiotics—provides systemic support for skin health. Zinc and omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and promote repair, while oral probiotics help maintain a balanced microbiome from within. Clients wishing to add oral support should discuss these supplements with a health-care provider. BUILDING RESILIENCE Treatment is not only about repairing visible symptoms—it's also about restoring the skin's ability to protect and regulate itself. By replenishing hydration, reinforcing lipids, calming inflammation, and supporting microbial balance, the skin barrier gradually regains strength. This foundation allows clients to better tolerate professional acne regimens and active ingredients, ensuring immediate comfort and long-term results. An impaired barrier is more than a surface-level issue. It is a signal that the skin's defenses need care. Recognizing the signs and addressing the underlying causes with supportive ingredients lays the groundwork for healthier, clearer, and more resilient skin. In more severe cases, it's essential to focus on home care first to restore and strengthen the skin barrier. Only once the barrier is properly prepared should professional exfoliation—even in its gentlest forms—be introduced. Without a strong barrier, irritants and bacteria can penetrate more easily, triggering inflammation and disrupting the skin's natural healing process.