The state of the upper layer of the epidermis determines not only the appearance of the skin, but also its ability to perform barrier functions. It depends on the integrity of the stratum corneum whether water is retained in the skin and whether infectious or toxic elements penetrate into the depths, whether early wrinkles and pigmentation spots appear, and whether hypersensitivity develops. The cause of the violation of the stratum corneum can be not only injuries or dermatosis, but also aggressive cosmetic procedures, so the doctor must necessarily provide for measures to restore the protective barrier of the skin. Read more about it on our portal.
Barriers of the stratum corneum of the skin and their protective functions
One of the most famous protective skin barriers – these are the so-called horny scales, or corneocytes. They are formed from mature keratinocytes and, like bricks, fit tightly to each other, interconnected by special intercellular contacts – corneosomes. Intercellular lipids – cholesterol, ceramides, fatty acids.
The physicochemical properties of the lipid layers of the skin and, in general, the permeability of the stratum corneum depend on the content of ceramides and cholesterol. Lipid components provide the skin with strength and integrity, and prevent transepidermal water loss.
The stratum corneum lipids not only prevent skin dehydration, but also prevent the penetration of various harmful water-soluble substances.
Another important protective component of the stratum corneum – natural moisturizing factor. A significant part of it is amino acids (such as arginine, glutamine), as well as urea, lactic acid, minerals, sugars, and some other substances. The lack of a natural moisturizing factor causes a violation of the barrier function of the skin, which is manifested by its constant dryness.
One of the conditions for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier – it is a balance between the formation of new cells and the exfoliation of old ones. In order for the scales of the stratum corneum to exfoliate calmly and in a timely manner, the participation of the enzyme chemotrypsin is necessary, the task of which is to destroy intercellular contacts in the upper layers of corneocytes, and the activity of this enzyme depends on water. If the moisture level of the skin is low, the destruction of the corneosomes slows down, and the horny scales are peeled off unevenly and incompletely, due to which the integrity of the epidermal barrier is violated.
All the protective elements of the stratum corneum interact with each other, and even if at least one of the structures is disturbed, the protective functions of the skin as a whole are reduced. It cannot retain moisture and becomes overdried, which manifests itself:
- feeling of tightness after washing;
- tingling and peeling;
- appearance of painful small cracks.
Along with the listed signs, dry skin is often accompanied by its increased irritability and sensitivity, which brings a lot of discomfort.
Causes of violation of the stratum corneum of the skin and measures to restore it
There are quite a lot of factors that violate the integrity of the protective barrier skin. Usually people do not think about the fact that the skin needs to be protected – because it itself effectively protects our body from harmful external influences. And only when, under the influence of the active sun, temperature changes, strong wind and frost, changes in ambient air humidity, poor-quality cosmetic care and other reasons, the skin barrier is broken – we immediately feel it by many unpleasant sensations: dryness, redness, peeling, painful sensations appear.
Some cosmetic procedures can reduce the protective ability of the skin. We are talking about chemical peels, some whitening procedures, dermabrasion, resurfacing, etc.
Aggressive cosmetic procedures damage the skin and reduce its protective capabilities, which can lead to intense moisture loss, lipid deficiency, and the development of inflammatory processes with pigmentation disorders
To restore the integrity of the stratum corneum, occlusive coatings without the content of drugs are used, the application of lipophilic preparations with & nbsp; occlusive properties, lipid replacement therapy.
It is very important to review with the patient the ways and means of home skin care, especially those that the patient is accustomed to using for cleansing – often it is soap or rather aggressive lotions. It is necessary to explain to the patient the causes of skin irritation that occur when using soap, to select such products that, during contact with the skin, which is very sensitive after a cosmetic procedure, will not have time to damage the already weakened barrier structures, but, on the contrary, will accelerate it & nbsp; recovery.
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