Navigating the world of skin care involves more than just choosing the right products – it requires a deep understanding of how our skin works and what it needs to stay healthy. Acne is closely linked to the health of our skin barrier, the protective layer that keeps irritants out and moisture in. When this barrier is damaged or weakened, it can lead to more frequent breakouts and persistent issues.
What is the skin barrier?
Your skin has a natural, protective barrier, known as the hydrolipidic barrier, which comprises water, sweat and sebum. Think of it like your skin’s security guard: it keeps the bad things out and protects the good stuff inside.
Your skin barrier, much like any other protective layer, can experience significant wear and tear. Factors like UV exposure, improper product use and environmental stressors can all weaken this essential shield. Genetics can also play a role, adding to the complexity of maintaining healthy skin.
If your skin is often red, irritated or simply not looking its best, it may be time to focus on repairing and strengthening your skin barrier.
Why is the skin barrier important for acne?
An acne cycle can never improve if the barrier is damaged. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it slows the healing process. When the barrier is weakened, it cannot respond correctly to active acne ingredients. In fact, a compromised barrier will over-respond to dysfunction as it can no longer protect itself. So it becomes dry, tight, flaky, and red – creating an atmosphere where acne bacteria will thrive. In addition, ingredient absorption is inhibited when the skin barrier is compromised.
Can I heal my skin barrier and acne at the same time?
This is where corneotherapy comes in, a specialized approach focused on repairing, maintaining and safeguarding the skin barrier to improve overall skin health and reduce acne. This skin treatment methodology is related to the physiological, biological and biochemical processes of the stratum corneum.
Here’s the thing: old-school, traditional acne formulas damage the skin barrier in the name of acne clearing – a.k.a they dry out excess oil to clear up the breakout.
Bioelements takes a different approach, one that focuses less on the quick fix and more on repairing the barrier itself. Our Acne Activist + Pore Activist formulas are created to minimize inflammation, allow active acne to heal and strengthen the barrier so it can better respond to future acne stages – because an acne cycle can never improve if the barrier stays damaged.
Looking to soothe your barrier while eliminating acne? These dermatologist-tested and esthetician-recommended formulas were crafted to clear your breakouts and repair your barrier:
Your go-to cleanser – pore thing: A barrier-friendly, daily cleansing gel with multi-level exfoliators to target problem pores and clarify skin. Sebum-soluble salicylic acid penetrates through excess oil and clogging debris to break down impurities.
Why it’s good for your skin barrier: Formulated with key barrier-repairing ingredients like apple fruit extract to maintain moisture levels so the skin doesn’t “dry out.”
Your must-have exfoliator – peel breaker: This liquid leave-on exfoliator breaks up clogging oils and dead skin cells to help minimize pore appearance and maintain clarified skin. Salicylic acid, a sebum-soluble BHA, breaks down blockage oils as gluconolactone, a poly-hydroxy acid, gently dissolves the bonds of dead skin cells to eliminate bumps, rough texture and congestion.
Why it’s good for your skin barrier: Balanced with barrier-building aloe vera, willowherb, hibiscus, oregano + thyme, so skin appears smoother and brighter – without irritation.
Your new daily habit – daily meds: A non-drying, daily-use serum to clear and heal acne as it diminishes lines, uneven skin tone and dullness. 2% medicinal salicylic acid eliminates the acne bacteria environment and exfoliates pore-clogging skin cells to clear blackheads and whiteheads.
Why it’s good for your skin barrier: Niacinamide and a blend of lilac, oregano, thyme + green tea extracts improve the appearance of environmental damage and strengthen the skin barrier.
Your overnight treatment – spot defy: A fast-acting, precision spot treatment to clear acne and allow it to heal overnight – without irritation. 5% medicinal colloidal sulfur treats blackheads and whiteheads, absorbs excess sebum and reduces acne bacteria to prevent repeat breakouts.
Why it’s good for your skin barrier: Natural kaolin and bentonite clays draw out impurities with an occlusive barrier, while a barrier-building blend of lilac, hibiscus, lavender, gotu kola, oregano + thyme targets post-acne dark spots and soothes the skin.
