Often described as the skin’s barrier function, the epidermis is considered to be the first protection of our body against external factors.
For a long time, the cornified layer, which is the upper layer of the epidermis, has been considered as the first line of defence of the skin. Although the cornified layer is the outer layer of the epidermis, it is no more considered as the outer layer of our skin. On its surface, a homemade biofilm actually ensures the first protection of our skin, this biofilm is called hydrolipidic film and hosts skin microbiota.
The hydrolipidic film (HLF) is a protective film that covers the entire surface of the skin. This is an emulsion of water and lipids which acts to lock in moisture and as a defence against non-resident bacteria. It mainly consists of perspiration, water, sebum, and lipids. Its alteration is characteristic of lipid dry skins or essential fatty acids deficient skins, which are literally stripped due to limited sebaceous gland excretions. In this case skin takes a reactive appearance, it can appear hot/burning, possibly itchy; it shows signs of roughness and dullness. All these factors indicate loss of structural integrity.
Factors that can impair the HLF are numerous
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