Almost everyone with eczema or psoriasis has been told to “protect your skin barrier.”
But what if the skin barrier is doing far more than simply keeping moisture in and irritants out?
In Episode 3 of this five-part series exploring the Five Healing Pillars, Dr Irene Prantalos, Chinese Medicine Practitioner, takes a closer look at what the skin barrier actually does — and why continually adding heavier creams, ointments and layers of products may not address the bigger picture.
You’ll discover why the skin is much more than a protective covering, how it functions as an important part of the immune system, and how the body's elimination pathways can influence the burden placed on the skin.
Dr Irene also explains an often-misunderstood stage of skin repair: when things appear to get worse before they get better. Flaking, changes in texture and increased shedding can sometimes be part of the repair process — but they can also signal an active flare.
Understanding the difference matters.
In this episode:
- What most people think the skin barrier does
- What the skin barrier actually does
- Why the skin is considered an immune organ
- How elimination pathways may contribute to the load placed on the skin
- Why genuine skin repair can sometimes look worse before it looks better
- How to recognise the difference between repair and a flare
- What you can do to support your skin barrier beyond simply adding another layer of cream
This episode is educational and does not constitute individual medical advice. Nothing discussed in this episode is a recommendation to alter, reduce or discontinue prescribed treatment.
