It is also due to a compromised skin barrier function which allows increased trans epidermal water loss meaning water is lost from the skin.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin’s surface and is responsible for preventing trans epidermal water loss and the penetration of harmful substances. It also enhances epidermal renewal and repair, which is responsible for building and maintaining skin tolerance.
A healthy skin barrier is crucial in overall skin health. A compromised barrier function is the most common cause of persistent sensitivity, chronic dryness, susceptibility to inflammation and treatment intolerance.
It is often a misconception oily skin keeps the skin hydrated, but it does not. It is natural moisturising factors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) that provide hydration within. We are also led to believe that to hydrate the skin you must use oils or moisturisers.
Moisturisers make the skin lazy turning off cellular function and the delivery of internal hydration. To hydrate the skin, you must exfoliate with both physical and chemical resurfacing agents. The use of topical agents stimulate your internal moisturising factor and GAGS. Next you need to strengthen and reinforce the skins natural barrier to prevent water loss from the skin known as trans epidermal water loss.
