Don’t mess with your skin’s ‘protective shield – a ‘misused and overused’ mistake can lead to accelerated signs of aging
AN essential component to your skin could be under fire if it’s not handled with care.
According to one expert, too many people are damaging their complexions without even knowing it.
Amy Gordinier, 54, of Halifax, Nova Scotia is the CEO of Skinfix, gave her dos and don’ts for maintaining the skin’s “protective shield.”
“The skin barrier is crucial because it’s our skin’s first line of defense,” she told The U.S. Sun.
“It’s like a protective shield, keeping harmful elements out while locking essential moisture in.
“When compromised, it can lead to a cascade of skin issues — increased sensitivity, dryness, and accelerated signs of aging.”
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Gordinier advised giving extra attention to the skin barrier, which defends the largest organ in the body from free radical damage.
“By focusing on skin barrier health, we’re not just addressing current skin issues, but setting the foundation for long-term skin health and resilience,” she said.
“It’s been the cornerstone of everything we do at Skinfix for the last decade because science shows healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier.”
With more and more influencers using aggressive treatments, such as the misuse of chemical exfoliants, Gordinier gave some words of advice to keep skin in its best shape.
“Acids and chemical exfoliants are powerful tools in skincare, but they can be misused and overused causing over-exfoliation,” she said.
“Over-exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the delicate microbiome, and compromise the skin barrier.”
Instead, she recommended formulating an individually personalized routine.
“Don’t get me wrong, we love our actives at Skinfix, but we take a balanced, scientifically-backed approach,” she said.
Gordinier added that Skinfix specifically recommends products that target specific concerns, rather than using what the latest influencer is touting.
“It’s not about using the most potent ingredients daily, but about using the right combination consistently,” she said.
THERE’S STILL HOPE
Gordinier said that if you suspect damage to your skin barrier, there are ways to get your complexion back.
“If your skin barrier is damaged, it’s crucial to take a break from those harsh exfoliants and focus on nourishing the skin barrier,” she said.
“For those looking to restore their skin barrier, I couldn’t recommend our Triple Lipid Peptide Cream enough. It’s what I call the skin barrier savior. It’s our best-seller — we sell one every 30 seconds.”
Skinfix’s Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is sold for $54 on their website.
Gordinier also explained why lipids are so important when caring for irritated skin with a potentially damaged barrier.
“Lipids are essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier,” she said.
“They’re like the mortar between bricks in a wall, holding skin cells together and helping to keep moisture in while keeping irritants out.
“As you age, your lipids deplete. There’s studies that show by 30, skin loses up to 40% of its vital lipids.”
TREAT YOUR SKIN LIKE A PRO
Gordinier gave some insight on her own routine and how to curate the perfect skincare regimen at home.
She said she cleanses with Skinfix’s new Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser, applies Triple Lipid Activating Serum, taps on the Triple Lipid Eye Treatment, and follows up with the Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream.
Gordinier recommended that others stick with a gentle cleanser, never forget to moisturize, be choosy with chemical exfoliants, and always finish up with some sunscreen.
“I think it’s important to understand that skin barrier health goes beyond just hydration,” she said.
“It’s often oversimplified, but it actually involves a delicate balance of lipids — including ceramides and fatty acids — that protect and nourish the skin.
“Lipid loss is directly correlated to signs of aging so it’s really important to find products to combat that lipid loss and really protect and strengthen the skin.
“Prioritizing comprehensive barrier health will help with immediate and over time skin health.”