Skin barrier – the foundation of healthy skin

The skin barrier is the skin's protective outer wall. It retains moisture, keeps out pollutants and microorganisms, and ensures a balanced skin environment. When it is weakened, the skin loses water, becomes sensitive, and reacts with dryness or redness.

Building the skin barrier

The barrier lies in the stratum corneum and consists of corneocytes embedded in a lipid layer of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. This structure functions like masonry – cells as "bricks," lipids as "mortar" – and makes the skin resilient ( ptaheute.de ).

Causes of a weakened barrier

• Frequent washing with highly foaming surfactants
• Products containing alcohol and fragrances
• UV radiation and dry air from heating
• Stress, lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet
• Lack of lipids and moisture reserves ( utopia.de )

Active ingredients to strengthen the barrier

• Ceramides: key lipids that fill gaps in the stratum corneum and prevent water loss ( deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de ).
• Squalane & fatty acids: replenish the lipid film and improve elasticity.
• Glycerin & hyaluronic acid: bind moisture and strengthen suppleness.
• Plant-based ceramides: from wheat or rice oil can supplement the natural lipid structure ( uni-halle.de (Dissertation) ).

Barrier-free care routine

1. Cleaning: mild, pH-neutral, without sulfates or alcohol.
2. Serum: hydrating and lipid-friendly.
3. Cream protection: Ceramides, plant oils & squalane to build up the lipid layer.
4. UV protection: daily use to protect against oxidative stress.

Scientific findings

Studies show that an intact skin barrier is a prerequisite for all regenerative processes. Lipid-deficient skin requires targeted re-oiling; active ingredients such as ceramides 3 and 6-II are considered particularly effective ( kosmetikfuchs.de ).

In combination with NATURFACTOR® care

The Porcelain Skin Serum strengthens the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and plant extracts. Combined with the Blue Crystal Drops, it firms the lipid film, locks in moisture, and visibly improves the skin's resilience.

Conclusion

A stable skin barrier is key to healthy skin. Caring for it with lipids, moisture, and UV protection protects the skin in the long term from irritation, dryness, and premature aging.

Sources

1. German Pharmacists' Journal – Ceramides: Lipid phase of basic therapeutics (2023)
2. PTAheute – Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier (2024)
3. Utopia – Maintaining & Protecting the Skin Barrier (2025)
4. KosmetikFuchs – Ceramides and their care effect (2025)
5. University of Halle – Dissertation on phyto-ceramides (2022)

Tags: skin barrier, ceramides, lipids, squalane, moisture, regenerating care