Don’t touch your skin’s protective shield, a mistake leads to faster aging
An essential part of your skin can come under attack if you don’t take care of it.
Too many people are damaging their skin without knowing it, according to an expert.
Amy Gordinier, 54, from Halifax, Nova Scotia and CEO of Skinfix, shared her dos and don’ts to maintain her skin’s “protective shield.”
“The skin barrier is crucial because it is our skin’s first line of defense,” she told The US Sun.
“It’s like a protective shield that keeps harmful elements out, but essential moisture in.
“If not absorbed properly, it can lead to a range of skin problems: increased sensitivity, dryness and accelerated signs of aging.”
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF
Gordinier advises paying extra attention to the skin barrier, which protects the body’s largest organ from free radical damage.
“By focusing on the health of the skin barrier, we not only address current skin concerns, but also lay the foundation for healthy, resilient skin in the long term,” she says.
“It is the cornerstone of everything we have done at Skinfix over the past decade, because it has been scientifically proven that healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier.”
With more influencers turning to aggressive treatments, such as misusing chemical exfoliants, Gordinier offered some advice on keeping skin in optimal condition.
“Acids and chemical exfoliants are powerful tools in skin care, but they can be misused and overused, causing over-exfoliation,” the doctor says.
“Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the delicate microbiome and damage the skin barrier.”
Instead, she advised formulating an individually personalized routine.
“Don’t get me wrong, at Skinfix we love our active ingredients, but we take a balanced, science-based approach,” she said.
Gordinier added that Skinfix specifically recommends products that target specific concerns, rather than doing what the latest influencer is promoting.
“It’s not about using the most powerful ingredients every day, it’s about consistently using the right combination,” she says.
THERE IS STILL HOPE
Gordinier said there are ways to restore your complexion if you suspect your skin barrier is damaged.
“If your skin barrier is damaged, it’s important to stop using harsh exfoliants and focus on nourishing the skin barrier,” she says.
“For those looking to restore their skin barrier, I can’t recommend our Triple Lipid Peptide Cream enough. It’s what I call the skin barrier savior. It’s our best-seller — we sell one every 30 seconds.”
Skinfix’s Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream retails for $54 on their website.
Gordinier also explained why lipids are so important in caring for irritated skin with a potentially damaged skin barrier.
“Lipids are essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier,” she says.
“They are like the mortar between the bricks of a wall. They hold the skin cells together and help keep moisture in, while keeping irritants out.
“As you age, your lipids become depleted. There are studies that show that by the age of 30, the skin loses up to 40% of its vital lipids.”
Treat your skin like a professional
Gordinier provided insight into her own routine and how to create the perfect skincare routine at home.
She said she cleanses her face with Skinfix’s new Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser, then applies the Triple Lipid Activating Serum, applies the Triple Lipid Eye Treatment, and then uses the Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream.
Gordinier advises others to use a gentle cleanser, never forget to moisturize, be careful with chemical exfoliants, and always wear a little sunscreen to finish.
“I think it’s important to understand that skin barrier health goes beyond just hydration,” she said.
“It’s often oversimplified, but it’s actually a delicate balance of lipids, including ceramides and fatty acids, that protect and nourish the skin.
“Lipid loss is directly linked to signs of aging, so it’s really important to find products that combat that lipid loss and really protect and strengthen the skin.
“By prioritizing overall skin barrier health, you will improve the health of your skin immediately and long-term.”