The Importance of Having Thick Skin: Strengthen Your Lipid Barrier + Improve Your Complexion
What it Means to Have Thick Skin
You may have heard the term ‘thick skin’ before. This term is generally used to describe someone who’s not easily upset when taking criticism.
If you think about it in the literal sense, having thick skin is somewhat similar. When your skin is ‘thick’, it’s also not easily upset. It’s strong and resilient and can withstand harsh conditions.
Why Having Thick Skin is Important
*Take a moment to appreciate your skin.*
Your skin is your body’s ‘armor’ which prevents bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances from penetrating your body. It does this while simultaneously performing a myriad of other functions, such as retaining your body’s fluids, protecting your vital organs, flushing out excess minerals, and so on. Your skin plays a major role in your everyday life, so it’s imperative that you begin to protect it.
Having thick skin is your primary defense against skin sensitivities and premature aging! Yep, it’s true! Your skin’s outer protective layer is composed of cells and lipids (fats), a waterproof barrier that prevents both moisture and electrolytes from escaping and keeps harmful skin irritants out.
A weakened or thin lipid barrier is one of the leading causes of sensitive skin. Once your protective barrier has been depleted or stripped away, your body can no longer retain adequate moisture levels, and your skin becomes dry, red, and irritated –or what you may refer to as sensitive skin.
The thickness of your skin’s lipid barrier has a huge impact on how your skin functions and how it ages over time. A compromised skin barrier cannot function the way it’s designed to. If your body cannot restore its protective lipid layer, you risk the chance of damaging your skin, and that will lead to premature aging!
Signs of a Weakened Skin Protective Barrier
- Dull skin
- Scaly skin
- Rash
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Itchiness
- Eczema
- Acne
How to Restore Your Skin’s Protective Barrier
Restoring and thickening your skin’s protective barrier involves being gentle and nurturing towards your skin and nourishing your body with nutritious foods.
Here are a few ways you can improve your skin’s protective barrier:
- Avoid foaming face cleansers. Use a mild face wash free from harsh detergents such as SLS.
- Use tepid water when cleansing your face and showering.
- Avoid alcohol-based toners that dry out your skin. Instead, opt for an alcohol free toner.
- Avoid face scrubs. If you must exfoliate, limit that to once per week.
- Choose moisturizers containing ceramides (grape seed oil, hemp oil, safflower oil).
- Wear sun block, always.
- Supplement your diet with foods containing essential fatty acids (nuts, seeds, and salmon).
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants (blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, and dark chocolate).
- Reduce stress. Get adequate sleep.
- Build up + support your immune system (take probiotics, Vitamin C, oregano oil).