When it comes to really understanding skin health, two terms that are often talked about in our industry: they are the skin barrier and the skin microbiome.

While both play a critical role in maintaining healthy skin, they are distinct concepts.

So, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the skin barrier and the skin microbiome, and why they are both important for skin health.

THE SKIN BARRIER
You learned this in school, right? The skin barrier (1), also known as the stratum corneum (SC), is the outermost layer of the skin. It is made up of dead skin cells and lipids, including ceramides and fatty acids, which help to create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and protects the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation.
 
A healthy skin barrier is critical for maintaining hydrated, healthy skin, and for preventing issues like dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Your goal as the esthetician and skincare professional is to understand the importance of addressing epidermal barrier (EB) function to help your clients maintain healthy skin and to appreciate its overall role in the overall management of many skin disorders. Let’s dig a little deeper.

THE SKIN MICROBIOME
The skin microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live on the skin's surface. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and they play an important role in maintaining skin health.

In fact, the skin microbiome is considered a vital component of the immune system, as it helps to protect the skin from harmful pathogens and supports healthy immune function.

The microorganisms that make up the skin microbiome are diverse and can vary depending on factors like age, sex, genetics, and environment. While many of these microorganisms are harmless, some can cause skin infections or other issues if they become overgrown or imbalanced.

While the skin barrier and the skin microbiome are both important for maintaining healthy skin, they are distinct concepts. Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Composition: The skin barrier is made up of dead skin cells and lipids, while the skin microbiome is made up of living microorganisms.
2. Function: The skin barrier helps to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors, while the skin microbiome helps to support the immune system and protect the skin from harmful pathogens.
3. Disruption: Disruptions to the skin barrier can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and other issues, while disruptions to the skin microbiome can lead to an overgrowth of harmful microorganisms, leading to issues like acne, eczema, and other skin infections.

There’s so much more that I want to tell you about the skin microbiome, the skin barrier, and even the gut-skin access. That’s why I’m inviting you to take my online mini course, The Gut Microbiome & The Gut-Skin Axis. Learn about the unique relationship the gut and the skin share, and how it impacts beautiful, radiant skin.

While the skin barrier and the skin microbiome are different concepts, they are both critical for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. As estheticians, it is important to understand the role that each play in skin health, and to recommend products and treatments that support both the skin barrier and the skin microbiome.

Learn more so that you can do more in the treatment room!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608132/