The website of Personal Care Global

How to support the skin’s own protective strategies

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

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

SEPAWA

Estrel Congress Center, Berlin
16th - 18th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

SEPAWA

Estrel Congress Center, Berlin
16th - 18th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025