In the evolving landscape of professional skincare, one message is becoming increasingly clear: skin barrier health is key to every treatment protocol and skincare goal, and to have the most impact, addressing the skin barrier within your patient’s initial consultation is crucial. Whether they present with sensitivity, dryness, dehydration or even premature ageing, barrier integrity plays a vital role in determining both short and long-term outcomes and should be a key consideration when performing treatments.
The focus on skin barrier health has become a significant trend in dermatological skincare and in-clinic consultation, and will continue to grow in 2025. 70% of consumers who use skincare products focus on protecting their skin barrier more now than they did a year ago1. As an aesthetic professional, understanding and educating patients on the importance of a healthy skin barrier is now essential practice.
What is the skin barrier, and why is it so important?
The skin barrier, primarily the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It functions as the body’s first line of defence against environmental stressors while regulating internal hydration and temperature. Often likened to a “brick and mortar” structure2, the barrier is made up of corneocytes (the bricks) and lipids (the mortar) that protect and stabilise the skin’s surface.
There are several intrinsic systems actively working to prevent and repair barrier damage in the skin:
- Redox system helping to prevent and protect against oxidative damage from UV radiation, pollution, and inflammation. Antioxidants and enzymes help to neutralise free radicals and prevent cellular damage
- The skin’s lipid layer helping retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Microbiome regulation helping to modulate the immune response and defend against pathogens.
A strong skin barrier supports overall skin health and reduces the risk of irritation, sensitivity, and premature aging.3
What causes damage to the skin barrier?
Everyday factors that contribute to barrier disruption include3:
- Excessive UV exposure4
- Environmental extremes like wind, heat or pollution5,6
- Overuse of active ingredients in certain skincare products and medication7,8
- Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing, which depletes natural lipids9
- Lifestyle factors including poor diet or lack of sleep10,11
- Aesthetic procedures, which intentionally disrupt the barrier to stimulate regeneration7,8
And in clinical practice, many patients present with visible concerns such as rosacea, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, that are either exacerbated by, or themselves contribute to, a weakened barrier12,13.
What does a damaged barrier look like?
A compromised skin barrier doesn’t always look the same from patient to patient. Common signs include:
- Dryness, tightness, and dehydration
- Redness, flaking, and visible irritation
- Burning or stinging sensations with skincare application
- Dullness and uneven tone
- Breakouts and inflammatory flare-ups
In more extreme cases, barrier dysfunction can lead to flare frequency in chronic skin conditions and reduced tolerance to professional treatments.
A healthy skin barrier is an active system of protection and repair. That’s why barrier repair products need to be targeting the skin in the same way healthy skin does.
And that’s exactly where Reoxderm® comes in – the powerful new technology at the heart of the ALLSKIN | MED Barrier Defence range.
Introducing Reoxderm®: A new generation of antioxidant technology
Reoxderm® is a groundbreaking, patented antioxidant technology exclusive to ALLSKIN | MED. It protects the skin from oxidative stress, supports skin repair, and helps to normalise natural skin processes.
This comprehensive activity is powered by a blend of scientifically selected actives including:
- Locust Bean Gum – anti-inflammatory and redox regulator
- Turmeric (curcumin) – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol – antioxidants
- Lycopene – cellular anti-ageing agent
- Prebiotic Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide and Probiotic Lactobacillus – to rebalance the microbiome
Meet the ALLSKIN | MED Skin Barrier Range
Barrier Defence Emulsion
A barrier-boosting formula that activates the skin’s natural healing and defence processes through new and exclusive, patented technology, Reoxderm® – a powerful antioxidant that enhances and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
The emulsion deeply deep hydrates to help repair and support against early signs of aging. Designed for daily use to strengthen the skin and complement all skin types.
- 96% said skin felt more renewed and repaired14
- 96% found skin more hydrated14
- 94% saw increased luminosity14
- 95% found it compatible with other products in their routine14
This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula includes an Active Barrier Defence & Anti-Aging System featuring the exclusive Reoxderm® Technology, Niacinamide (5%), Retinol Microsponges (0.1%), and Tri-Peptide SYN-COL, providing powerful anti-ageing and regenerative action.
Meanwhile, the added Moisturising Repair System, featuring a blend of natural plant-derived emollients and moisturising ingredients, is designed to prevent water loss and support the lipid layer to help skin feel soothed and nourished.
Barrier Recovery Cream
ALLSKIN | MED Barrier Recovery Cream recovers and restores the skin barrier function with its antioxidant rich technology, Reoxderm®. The formula helps to hydrate and restore moisture and rebalance its microbiome. Soothes and calms sensitive skin instantly.
- 91% felt skin was renewed and repaired15
- 96% noticed significantly more hydrated skin15
- 94% noticed reduced skin tightness15
- 86% said their skin was less reactive15
Formulated with natural plant oils rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, skin-friendly humectants, vitamin E, squalane, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid, this cream supports skin recovery without heaviness – making it perfect as part of a post-treatment protocol or evening routine.
Ready to Learn More?
Request a callback below to speak with a member of our team about how best to integrate the ALLSKIN | MED Barrier Defence range into your clinical protocols today.
References
1 Mintel https://clients.mintel.com/content/report/patent-insights-the-secret-to-a-healthy-skin-barrier?fromSearch=%3Ffreetext%3Dskin%2520barrier%2520activation%26resultPosition%3D1%E2%80%8B
2 Madison KC. Barrier function of the skin: “la raison d’être” of the epidermis. J Invest Dermatol. 2003;121(2):231–241. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12359.x
3 Elias, P. M. (2005). Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1758(12), 1841–1852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.08.001
4 Ansary TM, Hossain MR, Kamiya K, Komine M, Ohtsuki M. Inflammatory Molecules Associated with Ultraviolet Radiation-Mediated Skin Aging. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 12;22(8):3974. doi: 10.3390/ijms22083974. PMID: 33921444; PMCID: PMC8069861.
5 Vierkötter, A., & Krutmann, J. (2012). Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 227–231. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.19858
6 Krutmann, J., et al. (2017). The skin aging exposome. Journal of Dermatological Science, 85(3), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.09.015
7 Lodén, M., & Maibach, H. I. (2006). Dry skin and moisturizers: chemistry and function. CRC Press.
8 Proksch, E., Brandner, J. M., & Jensen, J. M. (2008). The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology, 17(12), 1063–1072. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x
9 Farage, M. A., Miller, K. W., Elsner, P., & Maibach, H. I. (2007). Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(2), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00415.x
10 Leung, D. Y. M., & Guttman-Yassky, E. (2014). Deciphering the complexities of atopic dermatitis: shifting paradigms in treatment approaches. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134(4), 769–779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.08.008
11 Altemus, M., Rao, B., Dhabhar, F. S., Ding, W., & Granstein, R. D. (2001). Stress-induced changes in skin barrier function in healthy women. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 117(2), 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01410.x
12 Kim, B. E., Leung, D. Y. M., Boguniewicz, M., & Howell, M. D. (2018). Loricrin and skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(10), 274. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7100274
13 Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
14 Study: 19 women and 1 men (25-63 years), with phototypes II, III and IV. All skin type (except sensitive skin). Duration: 4 weeks
15 Study: 16 women and 4 men (25-63 years), with phototypes II, III and IV. All skin type (except sensitive skin). 1 application PM . Duration: 4 weeks