It's important to keep in mind, however, that not all oils are created equal when it comes to skincare. Some oils, like those mentioned above, have been shown to nourish the skin, improve skin hydration, and reduce sebum production, making them especially ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Conversely, heavier oils like coconut oil may not be suitable for all skin types based on their tendency to clog pores and trigger breakouts. Understanding the differences between various oils and their effects on the skin is crucial to selecting the right cleansing oil for your skin’s needs.

How Can a Cleansing Oil Repair the Skin Barrier? [3]

Understanding how a cleansing oil repairs the skin barrier involves delving into the intricate mechanisms that govern both the skin barrier’s structure and the composition of a cleansing oil. Let’s break this complex process down into simpler elements to better understand how an oil based cleanser can be used to restore skin barrier health and functionality.

1. Skin Barrier Basics:

The skin barrier, sometimes referred to as the lipid barrier, is critically important for maintaining healthy skin. It consists of lipids (fats/oils) which, together with dead skin cells, form our body’s protective outer layer to keep water/moisture in and external aggressors (pollutants) out.

2. Damage to the Skin Barrier:

Various factors such as harsh environmental conditions, excessive cleansing, or the use of unsuitable skincare products, can compromise (damage) the integrity of the skin barrier. In addition, underlying skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne negatively impact skin barrier integrity. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, the skin becomes more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

3. Signs of Skin Barrier Damage:

If an individual is experiencing an issue with their skin, it’s most likely due to a compromised skin barrier. Visible signs of damage include dry/flaky skin, itchiness, inflammation/irritation, rough patches, little red dots, and sensitivity, especially when applying skincare products.

4. Cleansing Oil Composition:

To better understand how a cleansing oil repairs the skin barrier, we must first examine its individual components. A quality oil based cleanser typically contains a mixture of natural oils rich in ceramides, fatty acids, antioxidants, and other skin barrier-reinforcing ingredients.

5. Gentle Cleansing Without Stripping:

Unlike most traditional, surfactant-based cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural moisture-sealing lipids/oils, cleansing oils utilize a gentler approach. They remove impurities in a way that preserves and repairs any defects in the skin barrier’s lipid matrix.

6. Moisture Retention and Hydration:

Natural cleansing oils like sunflower, borage, plum, and Evening Primrose create a protective layer on the skin to seal in moisture. This added moisture-sealing boost enhances hydration levels in the skin to facilitate skin barrier repair and maintenance.

7. Antioxidant Benefits:

A quality oil based cleanser should also contain antioxidants which play a crucial role in repairing the skin barrier. Antioxidants help neutralize oxidative stress-causing free radicals present in the skin or on its surface. By reducing the likelihood of oxidative stress being experienced by the skin barrier, cleansing oils support the skin barrier’s natural healing processes.

8. Microbiome-Support:

At the surface of the skin, protecting you from pathogens like bacteria and viruses, while feeding off your skin barrier lipids, live the trillions of organisms that make up your natural skin microbiome.  When you cleanse with harsh surfactants, you remove not only dirt and grime, but also strip/disrupt your skin’s microbiome, requiring it to recover while starving your microbiome in the meantime.  A compromised microbiome can cause skin sensitivity under a best-case scenario, and infection under a worst case. Gentle cleansing oils not only leave your microbiome intact, but even feed it with additional lipids.

To really bring this point home, think of the skin barrier as a delicate, protective shield made of layers of lipids (mortar) and bricks (dead skin cells). Imagine this shield has developed some cracks due to its exposure to some harsh elements. Now, picture a cleansing oil as a specialized healing potion. When applied, this potion not only cleans the skin surface, but also seeps into the cracks, repairing and reinforcing the shield.

What Is Deep Cleansing Oil? [4]

A deep cleansing oil represents a more potent and intensive formulation of traditional cleansing oils. While standard cleansing oils effectively remove surface impurities, deep cleansing oils take the cleansing process to the next level by penetrating deeper into the pores. Understanding what sets deep cleansing oils apart and how they benefit the skin barrier requires a closer look at their composition and specific actions.

Deep cleansing oils are formulated with a blend of different types of oils that work in synergy to create a formula that can effectively dissolve and lift away not only surface impurities, but also deep-seated debris within the pores. The heavier oils in the formulation have a higher affinity for impurities like sebum, makeup residue, and environmental pollutants that can accumulate deep within the pores. By effectively dissolving these impurities, deep cleansing oils ensure a comprehensive cleanse.

Pores can become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris, which can lead to issues such as blackheads and acne. Deep cleansing oils target these clogged pores to help unclog them and prevent unwanted breakouts. By keeping the pores clear, deep cleansing oils contribute to maintaining a healthier skin barrier.

Despite their potent cleansing abilities, deep cleansing oils are often formulated to be gentle on the skin. This makes them suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin. Deep cleansing oils offer a balanced approach, ensuring a deep cleanse without compromising the skin’s natural moisture levels.

Is BIA® GENTLE CLEANSING OIL 2.0 a deep cleansing oil?

It is, and here’s why. The skin barrier is vulnerable to damage when pores are clogged because they tend to cause an increase in both sebum production and inflammation, both of which are detrimental to the health and functionality of the skin barrier. Deep cleansing oils like this one play a crucial role in preventing damage by effectively removing impurities that could contribute to pore blockages. This preventive action supports the overall health of the skin barrier.

Conclusion.

In the journey towards healthier, well-nourished skin, incorporating an oil based cleanser into your skincare routine can pay major dividends. If you’re ready to embrace a skincare ritual that goes beyond the ordinary when it comes to skin cleansing, then treat your skin to Codex Labs’ BIA® GENTLE CLEANSING OIL 2.0. Your skin will thank you for it!

 

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/oil-cleansing-method
2. https://healthnews.com/beauty/skin-care/cleansing-oil-the-benefits-for-your-skin/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oil-cleansing-method
4. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/deep-oil-cleansing-what-to-know