The skin barrier, one of the hottest topics on social media, is generating unprecedented enthusiasm. With over 842.7 million views [1] on TikTok for videos dedicated to the repair of the skin barrier, it’s clear that consumers are increasingly informed and aware of the importance of this natural protection for the health and appearance of their skin.
Today, protecting the skin barrier has become a priority for many consumers worldwide. According to Mintel, 70% [2] of American consumers now place greater importance on protecting their skin barrier compared to a year ago, while 72% [3] of South Koreans are adopting a preventative approach to skincare. In Brazil, 57% [4] of the consumers are seeking skincare products containing ceramides.
The importance of the skin barrier
As the outermost layer of the epidermis, the skin barrier protects the skin from external aggressions. This true shield is composed of dead cells (corneocytes) and intercellular lipids, creating a protective matrix: ceramides (50%), cholesterols, and free fatty acids. These are essential for the cohesion and integrity of the barrier as well as for maintaining well-hydrated skin. The barrier function also includes filaggrin, a protein that helps form and maintain an effective and hydrated protective barrier.
Causes of skin barrier disruption can be internal (aging, genetics, medical conditions like atopic dermatitis) or external (pollution, UV, harsh chemicals, unsuitable beauty routines). Consequences include dehydrated skin, increased sensitivity, or premature aging. Indeed, skin aging is associated with a change in the skin barrier function due to a reduction in the synthesis of essential epidermal lipids [5]. Boosting the synthesis of epidermal lipids and restoring the barrier function thus represents an unavoidable challenge for the cosmetics industry.
A 100% natural offer to maintain a healthy skin barrier
Soline®, one of the flagship active ingredients from Laboratoires Expanscience, perfectly meets this need to protect and strengthen our barrier function. By activating PPARα, Soline® helps the skin stimulate its own synthesis of key lipids (ceramides, cerebrosides, cholesterols) and strengthens the intercellular cement for better hydration.
A clinical study has shown that Soline® improves skin hydration from the first application (after 1 hour) and in the long term (after 24 hours), reducing roughness and dry patches, which are direct impacts of a disrupted skin barrier. Additionally, Soline® soothes the skin by reducing inflammation through the decrease of inflammatory mediators like cytokines.
It is an ideal active ingredient for lipid replenishing, hydrating, and soothing all skin types. Liposoluble, rich in unsaponifiables (phytosterols and tocopherols), and obtained by the molecular distillation of linoleic sunflower oil, Soline® is one of Expanscience’s signature active ingredients.
Launched in April 2024 and obtained through the same molecular distillation process, the active ingredient Gaïaline®, rich in phytosterols, omega-6, and omega-3, offers benefits for strengthening the barrier function through two complementary actions. ingredient stimulates the synthesis of ceramides and filaggrin while improving the organization and cohesion of stratum corneum cells, which helps maintain good skin hydration.
In addition to strengthening the skin barrier, the active ingredient offers a 360° action: it protects the skin from UV and oxidative stress and regenerates the epidermis by boosting key markers (keratin 10 and 14, collagen 17) and promoting cell longevity, particularly through the protection of telomeres.
Clinically, it has been shown that Gaïaline® maintains skin hydration levels and improves skin texture, microrelief, and reduces fine lines for a smoother appearance. The skin is protected and regenerated! 78% [6] of women in the clinical panel found their skin more hydrated, a real plus knowing that the appearance and feel of healthy skin positively affect self-esteem.
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for skin well-being.
As the outermost barrier, it has a decisive role, directly and indirectly affecting all layers of the skin. But it is also the most accessible and can be acted upon, especially by providing specific care, rich in moisturizing and soothing ingredients, which also contribute to its repair.
For more information, visit our website Expanscience Ingredients.
