To ensure our skin ages gracefully, we need to keep it in a healthy state. That's evident.

Thou what does it mean to maintain our skin health?

What is the barrier function of the skin?

Why does the skin barrier function get damaged?

What happens when the skin barrier function is compromised?

How to repair the skin barrier function?

Ceramides and prebiotics: essential allies of the skin barrier

The health of our skin is directly related to its "barrier function" and maintaining its balance. With a well-functioning skin barrier and good hydration of the epidermis, we are on the right track.

Let's break it down step by step.

What is the barrier function of the skin?

As the name suggests, it refers to the dual protective role of our skin: on one hand, protecting us from external aggressors such as sun exposure, pollution, or pathogenic microorganisms; and on the other hand, contributing to regulating certain essential internal processes in our body, such as thermoregulation and water retention.
 
If we make a little effort to remember, we'll recall that our skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. When we talk about the barrier function, we focus on the two outermost layers of the epidermis:

• The acid mantle, a delicate coating composed of sebum, is the most superficial layer.
• The stratum corneum, located below it, is composed of dead cells, ceramides, and fatty acids.

Both of these layers make up our skin barrier.

If either of these layers has any defects, the barrier function of our skin begins to fail, and that's when we start noticing something unusual; we feel tightness, dry and dull skin, redness or irritation appear... We start to worry and often come to the mistaken conclusion that we have "sensitive skin," when the solution to our problem is much simpler.

Why does the skin barrier function get damaged?

There are multiple factors that can cause alterations in our skin barrier, from an imbalanced diet to stress, lack of sleep, prolonged sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, not drinking enough water, excessive alcohol consumption (which dehydrates us), smoke, pollution, etc.

The list is long and could extend further if we include inappropriate skincare practices: a cleansing routine with harsh soaps, excessive exfoliation, or overuse of retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

What happens when the skin barrier function is compromised?

When the skin barrier is healthy, the acid mantle remains intact, and the cells of the stratum corneum are properly organized like well-cemented bricks with ceramides and fatty acids.

On the contrary, when the barrier function is compromised, these bricks lose their cohesion, leading to water loss through evaporation. You may have heard of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is what we're referring to. Consequently, the skin becomes dehydrated and more susceptible to bacterial entry and other irritating pathogens.

The skin becomes dry and tight, inflammation and redness occur, and overall it becomes duller and rougher to the touch. It's no wonder that with this situation, the skin ages more rapidly.

How to repair the skin barrier function? 

Restoring the skin barrier takes time and consistency — at least four weeks.

Beyond lifestyle improvements, it’s essential to use skincare products specifically designed to rebuild and protect it.

The new Skin Barrier Ginkgo Gel Cream was created precisely for that purpose: to strengthen, soothe, and hydrate the skin from within.

Its formula combines ginkgo biloba extract, ceramides, bisabolol, and squalane, along with apricot oil and mimosa wax, to rebuild the lipid barrier and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Ginkgo biloba provides antioxidant and anti-pollution protection; ceramides and squalane restore cohesion within the stratum corneum; while bisabolol and mimosa wax calm and soften the skin, reducing sensitivity and redness.

The texture — light and refreshing — melts effortlessly into the skin, offering deep and lasting hydration. With continued use, the skin regains its natural balance, becoming smoother, stronger, and more radiant.

Ceramides and prebiotics: essential allies of the skin barrier

Ceramides are natural lipids that act as the “cement” holding together the cells of the epidermis. They make up nearly 50% of the stratum corneum’s lipids and are key to keeping the skin strong, flexible, and able to retain moisture.

When ceramide levels drop — due to age, stress, or environmental factors — the skin becomes dry, sensitive, and less elastic.

That’s why replenishing ceramides through topical treatments like Skin Barrier Ginkgo Gel Cream is fundamental to restoring the structure and protective function of the skin.

Alongside them, prebiotics play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the skin microbiome — the living ecosystem of microorganisms that acts as a natural defense against harmful bacteria and external stressors.

Probiotics strengthen the skin’s defenses, reduce inflammation, and support faster recovery of the barrier.

The result: calmer, stronger, more resilient skin — balanced from within.

Complementary habits to reinforce your skin barrier

• Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh soaps or surfactants.

• Reduce inflammation with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or green tea.

• Boost hydration with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

• Incorporate antioxidants and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.

In summary

Healthy skin begins with a strong barrier.

Listening to what your skin needs — and choosing formulas that help restore its natural balance — is the first step toward calm, radiant skin.

About the author

Pharmacist and co-founder of UMOA Cosmetics, Mafalda Soto has over 15 years of experience researching and caring for one of the most delicate skin types in the world: albinotic skin. Her professional journey has been deeply connected to health and social inclusion for people with albinism in Africa, where she founded the NGO Beyond Suncare, recognized by the United Nations as a “Best Practice” for its work preventing skin cancer and improving access to healthcare for this community.

Through UMOA, Mafalda promotes a new way of understanding cosmetics — effective, respectful, and purpose-driven. Her vision blends scientific innovation with a genuine commitment to conscious care, where every act of beauty can also be an act of solidarity.

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