Barrier Repair Ingredients
When the skin’s barrier function is damaged, it needs to be repaired and strengthened. This involves replacing the lipids in skin that have been damaged, depleted, or removed.
Barrier repair ingredients are typically rich in lipids that are similar to the intercellular lipids found in skin. Plant oils are popular sources because they are a good source of fatty acid lipids.
Barrier repair ingredients may also work by providing a temporary film over skin. A damaged barrier allows water to escape more readily because it is more ‘porous.’ A way to minimize this water loss is to create a protective layer over skin. In skin care, this is achieved by the use of occlusive ingredients, which create a thin coating over skin to reduce the evaporation of water. Oils are occlusive. Petrolatum or silicone-based ointments are other examples.
Almost all moisturizers (except for some oil-free products) contain barrier repair ingredients, especially those for dry skin and sensitive skin.
The following is by no means an exhaustive list of plant oils. There are many more.
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