The Biochemistry of Barrier Health: From Irritation to Restoration

Session details:

A healthy skin barrier is the cornerstone of skin wellness—but when it’s compromised, everything from sensitivity to breakouts can follow.

In this science-driven session, you’ll learn to identify, repair, and protect the skin barrier with confidence and precision. We’ll explore barrier architecture, including the “brick and mortar” structure of the stratum corneum, before diving into the inflammatory cascades that drive irritation and damage. You’ll discover how ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and anti-inflammatory agents work at the biochemical level to interrupt damage cycles and restore balance.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the structure and function of the skin barrier, including lipid bilayers and NMFs

• Identify signs of barrier compromise during skin analysis and consultations

• Understand the inflammatory cascade and how it impacts barrier health • Choose appropriate barrier-repair ingredients and formulate treatment plans

• Adapt protocols for different types of barrier dysfunction to optimize client outcomes

The session concludes with evidence-based strategies for building barrier-repair protocols tailored to dehydrated, sensitized, or over-exfoliated skin types—helping you deliver visible results and client trust.