Why does eczema alter the skin's barrier?

The skin's barrier protects you from external attacks. When you have eczema, the hydrolipidic film coating the skin is altered. 
  • eczema-skin-barrier
The skin's barrier protects you from external attacks. When you have eczema, the hydrolipidic film coating the skin is altered. The following are the two main causes:
 

Alteration of the skin's barrier

The skin's barrier, the surface layer of your skin, protects you from external attacks (temperature, UV rays, allergens, bacteria, pollution, etc.). When you have eczema, the hydrolipidic film covering the skin is altered. These alterations have two main causes:
  • Genetics: In atopic dermatitis, a key skin protein called filaggrine appears to be lacking. Its plays a protective role in the skin’s horny layer*.
  • Environment: A water or lipid imbalance can make your skin permeable to allergens and irritants.

How to protect the skin's barrier

It is important to protect the skin’s barrier when you have eczema. You need to hydrate your skin using repairing emollient creams or balms. Whenever possible, avoid repeated contact with irritants and unsuitable products.


When washing your skin, it is essential that you respect your skin’s pH (the skin’s pH level is 5.5). Make sure you read product labels: a product with a neutral pH has a pH of 7, which is not suitable for your sensitive skin. For gentle cleansing, use products with a physiological pH (pH of 5.5). They are suited to your type of skin.