Causes of Poor Skin Repair Capacity
Jun 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
Poor skin repair capacity is commonly caused by the following factors: over-cleansing. Some individuals excessively cleanse their skin—such as over-exfoliating or overusing oil-control products—which can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to moisture loss and enlarged pores.
Skin care is critically important for everyone. However, some individuals notice that their skin’s self-repair capacity is relatively weak, yet they are unsure of the underlying causes. The specific reasons are as follows:
① Over-cleansing
Most people cleanse their skin daily to ensure thorough cleanliness—removing impurities from pores and enabling optimal absorption of skincare nutrients. However, some individuals over-cleanse, excessively exfoliating or overusing oil-control products. Such practices can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to moisture loss and enlarged pores. Generally, excessive facial cleansing should be avoided, as it may compromise the integrity of the stratum corneum. It is advisable to cleanse thoroughly only once daily—preferably in the evening—and follow up with toner and moisturizer to maintain hydration and protect against dryness and premature aging.
② Over-hydration
The stratum corneum contains approximately 20% of the skin’s total water content and is the primary determinant of skin appearance. Routine hydration targets this 20%. When stratum corneum water content falls below 10%, the skin exhibits various signs of dryness; at 20%, it appears healthy and plump; and at 30%, it looks exceptionally fresh and dewy. However, continued over-hydration beyond 30% causes intercellular spaces to widen, allowing bacteria and impurities to penetrate the skin—potentially triggering acne breakouts or other dermatological issues. Prolonged over-hydration ultimately impairs the skin’s natural repair capacity.
