Having a thicker skin is the best defence against sensitivities – but how do you restore your barrier?

It may not look like it on the surface, but your skin is constantly hard at work; the toughest job is of the uppermost layer, the skin barrier. Much like a security guard for your skin, the barrier is there to stop potential problems passing through and to protect what lies within – and it’s the weakness of this shield that is the underlying cause of sensitive skin. A thin, weak, or damaged skin barrier allows irritants in, or irritates more easily – and so building up this surface layer could be the key to reducing skin sensitivity long term. In addition, when we are wearing a mask, our skin barrier needs to work extra hard to stop bacteria working its way in and causing the dreaded maskne.

Why do some people have a weaker barrier? Aside from those environmental stressors, it could be down to age or colouring. Your skin barrier weakens with age, ultimately, it is about hydration – we are born with a body composed of 75% water yet die with closer to 0%; we dry up as we get older. Plus, generally, the whiter or paler the skin, the thinner the barrier, which means you are more prone to rashes, redness, and irritation, too.

If your skin barrier is working well, it will retain water effectively, maintaining good hydration balance, and be resilient yet flexible – it is likely to look more radiant as a consequence. If it is not, skin will look dry, dull, and possibly scaly. This means chemicals can penetrate more readily and potentially cause inflammation, which manifests as skin sensitivity.

While dry skin may not be life-threatening, it is definitely frustrating and uncomfortable and can lead to other skin problems like flakiness, itching, wrinkles, and even eczema and psoriasis. In order to prevent this, and ensure total hydration is achieved, a good serum is an essential first step. Yon-ka Hydra No1 serum contains hyaluronic acid which draws water in and penetrates deep into the skin dermis. The next step being locking in this moisture using something to seal the epidermal layer, Yon-Ka Crème is the perfect product to do this. For even more intense hydration, Yon-Ka Hydra No1 Masque is your new best friend!

Yon-Ka Paris age defence hydration range is a skin saviour for lacklustre dull skin. It is the ultimate skin plumping essential range to inject life and moisture back into the skin and to repair and preserve the skins barrier.

Yon-Ka Paris Hydra No1 Creme 50ml… €51.50

This cream is a comforting cocoon for dehydrated, dry, or sensitive skin. It is long lasting hydrating power is complemented by its rich oil-restoring, soothing and anti-aging ingredients which protect the skin against environmental factors. As a result, the skin is softer and suppler. With hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and shea butter, this cream penetrates deep into the skin with the ultimate hydration.

Yon-Ka Paris Hydra No1 Masque 50ml … €49.00

Intense hydration and repairing is easily achieved with this gel-cream mask. With delicate floral aromas, this mask provides immediate, time-released, deep hydration. Intensely relaxes, the skin immediately appears smoother, softer, and plumper.

Yon-Ka Paris Hydra No1 Serum 30ml … €65.00

With its true long lasting, intense hydration activating complex, this creamy and refreshing gel is the perfect emergency remedy for very dehydrated skin. It is quickly absorbed and replenishes the skins hydration levels. The anti-ageing and hydrating effects are enhanced when used in association with the Hydra No1 crème or fluid. Containing hyaluronic acid, essential oils and imperata cylindrica, this serum is the ultimate drink for dry skin.

Yon-Ka, as a 100% French professional skin care brand, provides an alternative answer and a complement to the medical aesthetic techniques and ensures visible and long-lasting results with non-aggressive treatments. It was developed by a family driven by a passion for botanicals with 60 years of expertise at the service of beauty. Yon-Ka relies on the power of the essential oils and plant extracts combined with “gold standard” actives such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, polyphenols, peptides and AHAs in order to target skin ageing and address all the potential issues of the skin.

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from professional salons nationwide. For local stockist information visit www.renaissance-skincare.com/Yon-Ka/