The skin barrier serves an important role in protecting us from toxins, bacteria, infection, and other DNA-damaging elements. Today, however, compromised barrier is more prevalent than ever before as a result of our environment, overuse of skin care products with harsh ingredients, medications, autoimmune diseases, and even aggressive professional treatments.

What happens when the barrier becomes compromised? There are a number of challenges that may arise including increased dryness and irritations, susceptibility to bacteria, and even more serious issues like rosacea and acne. With the prevalence of compromised barrier, let’s make 2017 the year for resuscitating the skin.

How do you it? With the right combination of ingredients, professional treatments and proper home care. This two-part blog series will address these core areas starting with the top ingredients for repairing compromised barrier and building strength.

Rose water extract – provides hydration, and reduces inflammation and irritation while also helping to maintain the skin’s pH balance. It also provides antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.

Goats milk and milk protein – a natural skin rejuvenator and moisturizer with AHAs and vitamins, goats milk is often referred to as “nature’s liposomes” because it contains a pH close to the skin’s natural pH, which makes it effective in boosting hydration, lowering alkalinity and reducing the signs of inflammation. Milk protein also provides powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits, and contains immunoglobulins and vitamin D, which support cellular growth and healing.

Shea butter – a natural fat derived from the fruit of the karite tree, shea butter provides deep hydration and guards against dehydration.

L-arginine – one of the 20 primary amino acids, it accelerates wound healing, promotes collagen synthesis and increases skin elasticity. And when combined with the following ingredients, it creates a wonderful rejuvenator, gentle enough for compromised skin, but powerful enough to support cellular rejuvenation and repair.

L-mandelic acid – found in almonds, L-mandelic acid is an AHA that increases the ATP energy and gently loosens the glue-like substance holding skin cells together, which makes it very beneficial to those with compromised barriers. It also helps reduce inflammation and redness.

Epidermal growth factors (EGF) – composed of 53 amino acids, EGF is an important protein that heals skin injuries and stimulates cell proliferation.

Encapsulated retinaldehyde – similar to retinol in its ability to rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, it produces the least amount of skin irritation of all vitamin A derivatives, making it a great choice for compromised barrier. It supports skin repair, stimulates cellular cohesion, and eliminates bacteria.

Organic stem cells – these are powerful in skin rejuvenation and health as they support the rebuild of damaged tissues, preserve lipids, and increase antioxidant activity and collagen synthesis.

Hyaluronic acid – a natural glycosaminoglycan, it occurs naturally in the body, particularly in younger skin tissue. It has the ability to retain over a 1,000 times its weight in water within skin cells, while also removing waste matter from cells. HA is also known for its ability to reverse free radical damage and protect against UV damage.

Zinc and titanium dioxide – two naturally occurring minerals, they work by forming a protective physical barrier over the skin to block UV rays. As such, these minerals provide broad-spectrum protection, which reduces UVA-induced free-radical damage. Zinc also soothes and heals.