Wonder Wall

What exactly is the skin moisture barrier?

‘It is the outermost layer of the skin called the stratum corneum,’ says Dr Ian Webster, Cape Town-based specialist dermatologist and Dermastore founder. ‘This is a dead layer of skin that is almost like a brick wall. It’s made of cells called corneocytes, which are like the bricks, and the intercellular fats and proteins in between, which are like the mortar.’ Any disruption to the barrier will result in dry, dehydrated skin.

Why is it important?

Simply put, the barrier works to keep good stuff in and bad stuff out. It basically prevents water from evaporating, explains aesthetic medical practitioner Dr Alek Nikolic. ‘It serves as a protective shield against harmful