Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Eczema + Psoriasis
What is the Skin Barrier?
In simple terms, the skin barrier is the outer layer of your skin.
The skin barrier has several vital functions:
Protects the inner skin layers from environmental threats (such as UV radiation + pollution)
Regulates water loss- retaining moisture and keeping you hydrated
Transporting vital nutrients to your skin
Part of the immune system
The skin barrier can become weakened or damaged. This is often caused by ageing or genetics. It can also be caused by over-cleansing, too much sun exposure or a poor diet. Other lifestyle factors which can lead to a weakened skin barrier include being exposed to extreme temperatures, pollution and lack of sleep.
When the skin barrier is compromised, this can lead to the following symptoms:
A new sensitivity to certain skin products
Dry, flaky skin
Itching
Spots/Acne
Redness + inflammation
Increased signs of premature ageing
What Role Does the Skin Barrier Play in Eczema + Psoriasis?
The skin barrier is key for those with eczema or psoriasis. Those with skin conditions often have a weakened skin barrier, which can cause irritation, inflammation and dryness. These symptoms weaken the skin barrier, leading to a cycle of symptoms getting worse. A compromised skin barrier can also lead to the initial development of eczema and psoriasis.
Eczema and psoriasis is characterised by poor or dysfunctioning skin barrier function. Many of those with eczema and psoriasis have gene mutations for filaggrin (a key protein). Around 30% of skin condition sufferers have this mutation. Filaggrin helps strengthen skin cells. When it is not functioning fully, skin cells shrink and lose moisture. This leads to dry and itchy skin, along with a weakened skin barrier. A lack of filaggrin also affects the pH levels of your skin, causing inflammation and abnormal bacteria growth. Those with eczema can also be affected by skin lipids which are of different compositions and contain lower levels of ceramide (important for moisture levels). This contributes to dry skin and irritation.
Skin Barrier Repair for Eczema + Psoriasis
The following tips can help improve or maintain the skin barrier function if you believe it has been compromised an is impacting your skin condition:
Sleep- It is vital you get enough high-quality sleep (typically 7-8 hours) for your overall health and skin health. During sleep, skin renews and repairs itself. You can read more in our other article- Sleep + Skin Conditions. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate. During deep sleep, the body produces collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Collagen production helps to maintain the skin's moisture levels and keep it firm and plump. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Chronic sleep deprivation can also contribute to the breakdown of collagen, leading to premature aging and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Healthy Diet- Getting enough nutrients through a good diet helps your skin barrier function at its highest potential. Dieting can be tricky to navigate with a skin condition, as what works well for one person could be a trigger for another. We have an entire section of our blog devoted to diet advice, so you can find the correct solution for you.
Hydration- Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health and for your skin. See our article- Can Drinking Water Help Reduce Eczema + Psoriasis Symptoms for further information on this. Avoid sugary fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate the skin. Find a moisturiser that works well for you, and apply it once or twice a day. Ideal moisturisers for skin condition sufferers often contain hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, ceramides or glycerin. Essential oils also work well. Having a bath with oil is a handy way to ensure overall body moisturising, as you can achieve full coverage for areas which are difficult to reach, such as your back. Oils are very beneficial and nourishing for your skin, especially if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis. Choose oils with fatty acids, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties such as jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil or argan oil. These can help to restore the protective barrier of your skin while offering an array of other benefits like reducing redness or brightening discolouration spots on the face, neck and chest area.
Skincare- Avoid any harsh products or those containing strong chemicals. These can strip your skin of vital oils and lead to irritation. Look for natural products or those formulated for sensitive skin wherever possible. Bathe/shower only in lukewarm water, never hot. Be careful during your skincare routine not to over-cleanse or scrub too hard. But stilll remember to include gentle exfoliation within your skincare routine. Exfoliating helps to slough off any dead cells from the surface of your skin which may be causing irritation if left untouched for too long on areas affected by Eczema and Psoriasis, where there’s an increased risk for bacterial growth. Use gentle exfoliators like oatmeal-based masks which are less abrasive but still provide gentle exfoliation action while adding antioxidant elements that also reach deep into pores.
Protect Against Sun Damage- It's important to wear sunscreen every day because it provides an extra layer of protection against rays that can damage and weaken the skin barrier leading to more intense symptoms of eczema or psoriasis flare-ups. Look for mineral-based sunscreens (like zinc oxide) which provide physical barriers instead of chemical sunscreens that can further irritate sensitive areas. Avoid direct sunlight in peak hours (usually around midday). Hats or a beach cover-up are also useful.
Avoid Allergens + Triggers- It isn’t always easy, but avoid scratching your skin, as this can cause further damage to the skin barrier, worsening symptoms. Common allergens + triggers for skin conditions include certain food groups, smoke, harsh chemicals (fragrances, skin and cleaning products), extreme weather, some fabrics, dust and stress. People with eczema or psoriasis often have an overactive immune system which is more easily triggered, leading to inflammation. This inflammation is a symptom of a weakened/damaged skin barrier and is also a contributor. Those with a weakened skin barrier will be more greatly affected by triggers + allergens.
