Impaired Barrier Function

noun [im•pair•ed bar•rier func•tion]

Improper function of or damage to the stratum corneum results in moisture loss, irritation, redness and hypersensitivity. Impaired barrier function is characterized by rough, red and flakey skin that is easily irritated due to the skin’s inability to protect itself from the outside environment. This is often a result of transepidermal water loss.

Transepidermal Water Loss

Types
& Causes

Impaired Barrier Function

Face showing redness from environmental stressors

Impaired Barrier Function from Environmental Stressors

Face showing redness from inappropriate product use

Impaired Barrier Function from Inappropriate Product Use

Face showing damage from Personal Protective Equipment

Impaired Barrier Function from PPE

 

Common Causes and Characteristics

  • overuse of aggressive products, and use of products with excessive perfumes and preservatives
  • harsh climate
  • removal of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), the substances that are responsible for maintaining the skin’s hydration and pliability, by attracting and holding moisture; removal of the NMF will result in excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
  • interruption of intracellular lipids found between the dead surface cells and responsible for trapping water in the stratum corneum; this lipid bilayer provides an occlusive, impermeable barrier, and prevents the loss of  water and NMF
  • TEWL from inside the body through the epidermis to the surrounding atmosphere; a small amount of TEWL is critical to skin health, yet excessive TEWL may result in skin sensitivity; TEWL is increased when the epidermis is compromised and the NMF is decreased
  • keratin denaturation, an alteration of the protein’s shape through some form of external stress (e.g. application of heat, acid, or alkali), may prevent the keratin from carrying out its normal cellular functions