Want to Maintain Your Skin Barrier and Keep Your Skin pH-Balanced? The Secret is in the Cleanse.

Unlocking the secret to healthy and glowing skin lies in maintaining a pH-balanced skin barrier, and it all starts with your cleansing routine. That’s because your skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum or epidermis, acts as a protective shield against external factors like bacteria and pollutants—which means it bears the brunt of what your skin faces each day. Consisting mainly of keratin, a protein that strengthens the skin, and lipids, which lock in moisture and prevent water loss, keeping this barrier intact by starting and finishing your day with a proper cleanse is crucial for preventing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, as well as maintaining moisture levels for glowing, hydrated skin.

 

Know Your Skin Barrier

A damaged skin barrier can result from various factors, including excessive washing, using harsh products, taking hot showers, living in dry climates, sun exposure, and dehydration. Fortunately, most of these issues can be avoided with the right skincare routine and products. To nurture your skin barrier, start by using a gentle cleanser that won't strip away the natural oils. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents and opt for botanical-based cleansers infused with nourishing vitamins like vitamin E, argan oil, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which help restore hydration and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

 

Cleanse Your Way to a Healthy, pH-Balanced Skin Barrier

The best way to maintain a healthy skin barrier is to consider different cleansers based on your skin type. Some recommendations from our Tuel Pros include: 

• Milk Cleansers: Milk cleansers harness the power of nourishing ingredients like argan oil, carrot seed, and vitamin E, making them exceptionally powerful at both removing makeup and moisturizing the skin. Ideal for mature, dry, combo, or reactive skin types, milk cleansers deliver thorough cleansing without causing dryness or stripping the skin, while also helping to soften fine lines, calm, and fortify the skin's barrier to maintain balance and protect against inflammation. How to Use: Made from lightweight emollients that are nourishing, milk cleansers will not “foam.” Massage into the face and neck with moist hands; adding cool water to emulsify before rinsing. 

• Gel Cleansers: A high-quality gel cleanser not only provides clarification but also relies on water-based, botanical ingredients like cajeput, witch hazel, rosemary, grapefruit, and lemon to help effectively address breakouts and prevent future blemishes. Gel cleansers help to gently minimize irritation while deeply cleansing the pores, eliminating dirt and excess oil from the skin's surface simultaneously. How to Use: With moist hands, massage into the face and neck; adding water to emulsify before rinsing. 

• Deep Pore Cleansing Duos: Using the double cleansing method, especially as part of your nighttime skincare routine, will not only remove all the makeup and grime that’s accumulated on your skin during the day, but it will also help other products penetrate your skin. Double cleansing as part of your regular skincare routine will prevent sebum buildup and bacteria which can help keep your skin barrier healthy. An added bonus? Since your pores are clean and your skin gently exfoliated, you are increasing the efficacy of the serums, moisturizers, and masks you are using as part of your regular skincare routine. And by double cleansing at night, you are giving your skin cells the best chance to regenerate while you sleep. How to Use: STEP 1: On dry skin with dry hands, massage 5-6 pumps of Cleansing Oil onto the face and neck. Massage thoroughly to bond with your skin’s natural oil to dissolve dirt and remove makeup. Don't rinse! STEP 2: Add 5-6 pumps of Herbal Toner over Cleansing Oil and continue to massage them together until sticky. Add cool water gradually to emulsify and turn into a white milky emulsion. Rinse until you no longer feel the emulsion.

 

Cleansing & So Much More

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is not just about external care and your skincare routine, but also lifestyle changes. Ensure you drink enough water to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. By adopting these skincare tips and making simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can give your skin the boost it needs to look radiant, break-out-free, and overall healthier. Your skin barrier will thank you with a natural, youthful glow.