Why Your Skin Bruises, Flushes, or Feels Fragile

Why Your Skin Bruises, Flushes or Feels Fragile - And How to Rebuild It From the Inside Out


Real Prevention, Deep Science, and Lifelong Glow — The ENIKŌ Way


I’ve spent over two decades working inside the skin. First, as a therapist treating faces every day.
Then as a naturopath, fascia researcher and botanical medicine formulator. Now, as the world finally catches up with trends like skin longevity, fascia-focused beauty, and internal collagen repair, I smile — because these aren’t trends in my clinic. They’re foundations. If you’re bruising easily…
If your face flushes, feels thin, puffy, or slow to heal…
If you’ve tried the products, the facials, the routines — but your skin still feels weak or tired… keep reading.


Your Skin Is Smarter Than You Think

Skin that bruises easily, reacts to needling or hydrodermabrasion, feels puffy or flushed isn’t just “sensitive” skin. It’s a sign that your capillaries, fascia, lymph, hormones, collagen, and nervous system are all asking for deeper support. In my clinic, I see this every day.
And the good news is — we can rebuild it.


What I See in Clients Who Follow the ENIKŌ Method

I have clients in their 60s, 70s, 80s — and one who is now 93.
She’s been seeing me monthly for 17 years.
She uses the Glow Gel Formula and the Gold Plated Copper Roller every single day for 4 minutes. Today, I can needle her skin and perform hydrodermabrasion and she doesn’t bruise. Why?
Because her skin isn’t just soft and hydrated.
It’s vascularly strong, fascia-fed, emotionally calm, and collagen-rich. That’s the difference!


Let’s Decode What Bruising and Skin Fragility Really Mean

If you’ve ever wondered why your skin reacts easily or bruises from light treatments, this is what’s happening under the surface:

Skin Sign >  What It Means

Easy bruising > Weak capillaries, low collagen, poor mineral status

Facial redness or rosacea > Vessel reactivity, liver heat, histamine overload

Visible capillaries > Breakdown in collagen structure, UV damage, tension held in fascia

Puffiness > Lymphatic stagnation, fascia dehydration, emotional overload

Sagging or skin thinning > Fascia collapse, loss of collagen types I and III, nervous system dysregulation


Why the Latest Trends Are Catching Up — But Still Missing the Mark

The world is now discovering what I’ve built my practice on for two decades:

• Skin longevity

• Fascia-focused beauty

• Internal collagen repair

• Nervous system-based skincare

• Botanical formulas instead of fillers

You’ll hear buzzwords like red light therapy, peptides, injectables, exosomes, collagen hacks, and longevity facials, but the truth is if you don’t have healthy blood vessels, fascia flow, collagen cofactors, and nervous system safety, no laser or serum can give you lasting skin health. What I teach is not cosmetic, it’s biological re-education, and it works.


What Makes the ENIKŌ Approach Different?

I don’t chase symptoms, I decode them. I help you rebuild your skin through fascia repair, nutrient repletion, collagen activation, and ritual-based self-care.


Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Strengthen Capillaries from Within

Bruising, flushing, and rosacea are vascular signals.
We use plants that have been clinically studied for their effects on vessel integrity and fibroblast stimulation:

• Gotu kola

• Maritime pine bark

• Alfalfa

• Green tea EGCG

• Schisandra

• Licorice root

• Raw Jarrah honey

These are part of the Collagen Botanical Tonic — designed to restore the blood vessels that feed your skin.


2. Restore Fascia Flow With our Glow Gel Formula and Gold Plated Copper Roller

The Roller and Glow Gel Formula work together to:

• Reawaken fibroblasts;

• Deliver oxygen and nutrients through fascia;

• Reduce puffiness, flushing, and facial inflammation;

• Sculpt and lift tissue;

• Calm nervous system tension in the face, neck, and jaw.

This is not about chasing glow.
It’s about creating skin safety, density, and lift from within.


3. Eat to Support Skin Density

You won’t get collagen results from powders alone.
You need the raw materials and digestive capacity to absorb, convert, and use what your skin needs.

My foundational food method includes:

• Fiber and good fats first;

• Rainbow of 30+ plant types weekly;

• Sea minerals (kelp, spirulina, dulse);

• Collagen cofactors: vitamin C, zinc, copper, silica;

• Anti-histamine support for vascular-sensitive skin;

• Chewing and calm nervous system at mealtimes.

This is fascia-feeding, hormone-balancing skin food.


4. Calm the Nervous System to Calm the Skin

Cortisol weakens blood vessels, collapses fascia, and depletes collagen.

This is why I build emotional and nervous system regulation into every ritual:

• Facial reflexology for liver, spleen, and adrenals;

• Breathwork during rolling;

• Adaptogenic herbs;

• Restorative sleep guidance;

• Emotional journaling and skin mapping.

When your nervous system feels safe, your skin begins to regenerate.


Real Results — Not Marketing Hype

Here’s what I hear from clients who use the ENIKŌ method:

• “I stopped bruising after needling.”

• “My rosacea finally calmed down.”

• “My skin feels thicker and stronger.”

• “It looks like I’ve had a facelift — but I haven’t.”

• “I finally understand what my skin needs.”

This isn’t a temporary transformation.
It’s cellular change that lasts.


How to Start — The ENIKŌ Way

If your skin is asking for something deeper…
If you’re ready to stop chasing surface fixes and finally understand what’s happening underneath…

Here’s where to begin:

1. Book Your Inner Decode Session

Your personalized map for internal and external support — fascia, hormones, gut, nervous system, skin.

2. Start with the Collagen Botanical Tonic

Rebuild from the bloodstream out — with the herbs, nutrients, and minerals your collagen and capillaries need.

3. Begin Your Glow Ritual - Use Glow Gel Formula and the copper roller for 4 minutes a day. This is your Roll and Renew foundation.

4. Join Our Private Roll and Renew Community and get support, education, rituals, and skin decoding guidance.

5. Enroll in the ENIKŌ Cellular Skin Health Code Foundation Class - Learn the real science behind your skin. Join online or check where the next live class is held.


Final Words

If your skin has felt reactive, thin, or stuck — this is not your fault.
You’ve just never been taught how to listen to it. What I teach is not a quick fix. It’s a system rooted in fascia, blood flow, botanical medicine, and cellular communication.


Let me guide you to skin that’s alive, intelligent and truly well, from the inside out.


With love, longevity, and luminous skin,

Eniko N. founder of ENIKŌ


UNEARTH YOUR GLOW

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July 17, 2025
Genes & Skin Connection: Techniques for Lifting and Sculpting  For the final pillar, we dive deep into the Genes & Skin Connection, exploring how your DNA influences your skin’s aging process and how the power of epigenetics can transform your skin from the inside out. By making intentional lifestyle choices, you can influence your skin’s health, regeneration, and elasticity, keeping it radiant and youthful. Your Skin's Blueprint Your genes lay the foundation for your skin’s natural aging process, but the beauty of epigenetics lies in its ability to allow you to take control. It’s not just about your genetic makeup; it’s how your diet, exercise, stress management and sleep impact your skin’s health. You have the power to influence your skin’s future! Boost Skin Regeneration Collagen Breakdown: As time passes, collagen naturally starts to break down, leading to sagging skin. Your can combat this by nourishing your skin with antioxidant-rich foods like blanched spinach and blueberries. These power-packed foods not only protect your skin but also help stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a radiant and firm look. Circulation Boost: Oxygenating your skin is key to achieving that glowing complexion we all crave. Use the ENIKŌ Gold Plated Copper Roller to improve circulation, helping nutrients reach your skin more effectively and promoting healthy skin cell turnover. Recipe Idea: Collagen-Boosting Smoothie 1/2 cup blanched spinach 1/2 cup blueberries 1 scoop clinical collagen peptides 1 tbsp flax seeds 1/2 cup green peas
 1/2 cup of coconut water Instructions: Blend all ingredients together for a delicious smoothie that supports skin elasticity, hydration, and overall glow. The clinical collagen peptides in this smoothie are the perfect addition to support full-body collagen production, which is essential for youthful, vibrant skin. Hormonal Balance & Skin Vitality Hormones like DHEA and testosterone help maintain skin hydration and thickness. Support your hormones naturally with nutrient-dense foods like shiitake and reishi mushrooms, which have adaptogenic properties that promote skin hydration, elasticity, and overall vitality. Delicious Mushroom Skin-Food Soup Soup is the perfect way to nourish your skin. There's nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Try this nutrient-rich soup that helps support skin regeneration and boost collagen production. Recipe Idea: Mushroom & Spinach Skin Soup 1 cup mixed mushrooms (shiitake, reishi, maitake) 1/2 cup blanched spinach 1 tbsp flax seeds 1/2 cup green peas 1 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 cup vegetable broth 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp black pepper (to activate turmeric) Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in olive oil, then add spinach, peas, and vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, then blend for a creamy texture. This soup is packed with collagen-boosting ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, and flax seeds, making it a delicious way to support your skin from the inside. Practical Lifting & Sculpting Techniques Microcirculation: Use the ENIKŌ Roller to gently massage the jawline, cheeks, and forehead to promote collagen production, improve circulation, and lift those areas. Your skin will thank you! Lymphatic Drainage: Gently massage upward on your neck and jawline to promote lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and supporting skin detox. Facial Sculpting: Use focused techniques to sculpt your cheekbones and jawline. Hold each position for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times to enhance skin firmness and tone. Lifestyle Solutions for Glowing Skin Mitochondrial Health: Your skin’s energy comes from mitochondria, and supporting them with practices like intermittent fasting, exercise, and turmeric can help maintain a radiant glow. Acid-Alkaline Balance: Hydrate with cucumber-infused water or a splash of lemon to help balance your skin's pH, keeping it fresh and nourished from the inside out. ENIKŌ Calming Tea Managing stress is key to maintaining beautiful, youthful skin. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging, which is why ENIKŌ Calming Tea is a must-have in your wellness routine. How it Supports Your Skin: Chamomile: Calms anxiety and promotes deep, restful sleep, vital for overnight skin regeneration. Aniseed: Helps with digestion and reduces bloating, which supports clear, glowing skin. Ginger: Reduces inflammation, helps with circulation, and adds a burst of energy to keep your skin radiant. Liquorice: Supports adrenal health, balances stress, and keeps your skin calm and smooth. Peppermint: Enhances circulation and relieves headaches, making it perfect for mental clarity and skin vitality. Fennel: Supports emotional balance and digestion, promoting a calm, relaxed complexion. Enjoy a warm cup of ENIKŌ Calming Tea to help reduce stress and inflammation, which in turn supports your skin’s health and radiance. With each sip, you're nourishing your body and skin from the inside, creating the perfect balance for glowing skin. By making these intentional choices and integrating collagen-boosting foods, stress-reducing rituals like ENIKŌ Calming Tea and daily skin-sculpting techniques, you’re giving your skin the best possible environment to thrive. Your skin’s future is in your hands and with the right tools, you can unlock its true potential! Here’s to radiant, youthful skin that reflects your inner glow! UNEARTH YOUR GLOW
July 9, 2025
Nutrition & Skin Connection: Nourish Your Skin From Within As the seasons change, it's a wonderful opportunity to reassess how your diet and self-care rituals impact your skin. True radiance begins from within, and combining nutrient-rich foods with targeted skincare practices can unlock your skin's full potential. In this issue, we’re diving into the essential nutrients for glowing skin, their food sources, and the transformative role of the ENIKŌ Gold-Plated Copper Roller in your skincare routine. We’ll also highlight how ENIKŌ Skincare products deliver external nutrients for a truly holistic approach to beauty. Essential Skin Nutrients and Their Food Sources 1. Protein: Supports skin structure and repair. Sources: Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts,seeds and dairy. ENIKŌ Product: Glow Lipid Formula – Packed withessential fatty acids to repair the skin barrier and enhance hydration. 2. Zinc: Promotes healing and reduces inflammation. Sources: Oysters, chicken, legumes and nuts. ENIKŌ Product: Probiotics B3 Gel – Balances the microbiome and soothes redness. 3. Iron: Maintains skin tone and promotes oxygen flow. Sources: Spinach, red meat and fish. ENIKŌ Product: Detox Mask – Clarifies and rejuvenates skin for a radiant glow. 4. Calcium: Supports cell regeneration and moisture balance. Sources: Broccoli, almonds and sesame seeds. ENIKŌ Product: Dewy Gelée Cleanser – Hydrates and balances oil production. 5. Vitamin C: Boosts collagen and protects against damage. Sources: Oranges, strawberries and tomatoes. ENIKŌ Product: Glow Gel Formula – Repairs and revitalises skin. Enhance Your Routine with the ENIKŌ Gold-Plated Copper Roller Pair nutrient-dense foods with this game-changing skincare tool to amplify results. How to Use: Prepare: Start with clean skin and apply your favorite ENIKŌ serum or oil. Roll: Begin at the center of your face and roll outward to stimulate circulation. Use the smaller end for delicate areas like under your eyes. Roll down the neck for lymphatic drainage. 3. Mindfulness: Use the opportunity to focus onyour breath, promoting relaxation and well-being. This holistic ritual promotes nutrient absorption, enhancescirculation, and leaves your skin visibly revitalised. Glow From Within: Beauty Smoothie Recipe A delicious blend to support collagen production and skin vitality. Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 handful of blanched spinach ½ cup pineapple chunks (Vitamin C boost) ½ avocado (Vitamin E for hydration) 1 tbsp chia seeds (Omega-3s for elasticity) 1 tsp ENIKŌ Collagen Botanical Tonic (nourishing extracts of Alfalfa, Calendula, and Green Tea) 1 tsp raw honey (hydration and healing) Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy the glow! Unlock the Power of the Collagen Botanical Tonic A Symphony of Natural Ingredients for Radiant Skin Alfalfa: Rich in nutrients to support collagen synthesis and skin vitality. Maritime Pine: Powerful antioxidants protect and rebuild collagen. Calendula: Soothes and nurtures the skin. Schisandra & Gotu Kola: Adaptogens to enhance resilience and well-being. Jarrah Honey: Antimicrobial properties and hydration. This tonic supports longevity, bone health, and glowing skin from the inside out. Prevention is better than cure, and this blend works on deeper levels to nourish beyond the surface. Why It All Matters Combining nutrient-rich foods, ENIKŌ Skincare, and mindful self-care tools like the Gold-Plated Copper Roller creates a complete skin wellness strategy. This approach doesn’t just enhance your complexion, it uplifts your entire being. UNEARTH YOUR GLOW
May 20, 2025
The Gut & Skin Connection: Slowing Aging and Reducing Inflammation
February 12, 2025
Thank you for checking in to the ENIKŌ® community! Your support inspires us every day as we continue to create innovative solutions for your skincare needs. We are excited to share some education on our latest creation and how it aligns with our holistic philosophy. As we embrace 2025, it’s the perfect time to focus on ENIKŌ’s ‘Four Pillars’ of holistic skin health: The Mind & Skin Connection The Gut & Skin Connection Nutrition & Skin Connection, and Genes & Skin Connection. Moving ahead, we will delve into these pillars one by one, sharing educational insights and practical tips to enhance your beauty from the inside out. On this occasion, we’re highlighting the ‘Mind & Skin Connection’, emphasizing how our mental well-being significantly influences our skin’s vitality and how to manage stress and emotions. Next time we’ll shift our focus to the Gut & Skin Connection, emphasizing how maintaining gut health is crucial. Both pillars are essential for cultivating radiant skin and overall well-being, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. To guide you on this journey, we’re introducing the ENIKŌ® Gold Plated Copper Roller, a revolutionary tool that embodies our holistic philosophy and supports our Four Pillars approach.
October 24, 2024
In a society that often equates beauty with youth, it's easy to feel pressured to alter our appearance or conform to fleeting trends. But it's time to pause and ask ourselves: Why do we feel the need to meet an external standard? Aging is a natural process, and our skin is an authentic map of our experiences, emotions, and lifestyle choices. At ENIKŌ, we believe in celebrating your unique beauty and nurturing radiant skin from the inside out. We go beyond temporary fixes, focusing on true nourishment that encourages your skin's natural healing processes. Have you ever used a skincare product that left your skin feeling dry, tight, or overly cleansed? These signs indicate that the product isn't providing the deep, nutrient-rich support your skin needs but is instead stripping away mostly beneficial layers of your stratum corneum. Our goal is to enhance your natural beauty by delivering pure nutrients that support and retrain your skin cells for optimal function. We believe in the wisdom of nature and only use pure, concentrated botanicals, bioactive minerals, and plant-based nutrients. Our formulas are free from synthetics, fillers, and harsh chemicals—just the essentials your skin craves. We invite you to rethink your skincare routine and discover an approach that genuinely aligns with your body’s needs. Unlock Your Skin’s Potential: Integrative Beauty Practices Our integrative beauty practices go beyond topical treatments. Here are some key components of the ENIKŌ method that help you achieve glowing, youthful skin: Lymphatic Health: Regular use of tools like the ENIKŌ Gold Plated Copper Roller can help activate your lymphatic system, reducing puffiness and promoting a clearer complexion. By moving stagnant lymph, you encourage the flow of vital nutrients and support detoxification. Nutrient-Dense Skincare: ENIKŌ’s products are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that penetrate deeply to nourish your skin cells. This internal support enhances your skin’s resilience and radiance. Mindful Nutrition: We believe that glowing skin starts from within. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can boost your skin’s natural healing abilities. ENIKŌ offers guidance on dietary practices that support healthy, vibrant skin. Biohacking and Personalized Herbal Support: Through the use of adaptogens, targeted nutritional supplements and herbal blends, you can support your body’s innate healing processes and optimize your skincare results. ENIKŌ’s holistic approach views beauty as the harmony between body, mind, and environment. Our vision is to help you nurture this balance through skincare solutions that respect your body’s natural rhythms. We offer more than products. Stay tuned to our Journal entries for tools and practices to empower your skin and spirit to thrive. Whether through mindful nutrition, biohacking techniques, or personalized herbal treatments, we aim to enhance your inner vitality and outer glow.
May 30, 2023
Glowing skin begins with effective, simple daily rituals. 4 minutes, twice a day, connecting the mind and body, can have you radiating from the inside and out. 1. Check your skincare ingredients. If the first ingredient is water and it contains perfume/fragrance and sulphates/sulfates, it’s time to let it go. 2. Use your skin care routine as an opportunity for mindfulness and self-care. Set a timer for four minutes and use this opportunity to connect with yourself, taking deep breaths, releasing any tension from the entire body, and feel empowered knowing that glowing, plumper looking skin is in your hands. 3. Eat the rainbow. Every day, try and consume at least four different fruits and vegetables to make sure you are getting a whole range of phytonutrients in your diet. 4. Be considerate of the amount of acidic food and drink you consume and try to limit it to a maximum of 20% of your overall diet. This includes being mindful of alcohol, caffeine, dairy and sugar. These can cause dehydration, breakouts and lead to premature ageing. 5. Ever experienced dry, flaky, rough or dull skin? The best cure is to hydrate from the inside out. Start by aiming for eight glasses of spring or filtered water each day and watch the transformation begin. 6. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Sleep is the best opportunity for our body to repair, restore and recover. 7. Be mindful of sun exposure. Vitamin D is so important for overall health but too much exposure to UV can be harmful. Check out the app D-minder to help you calculate how much and when to spend time in the sun. 8. Cleanse your skin every night. Use a gentle cleanser, ideally an oily cleanser, to remove makeup and all traces of daily grime and pollution. Remember, consistency is key. Start with 1 or two habits each week and keep adding to them week by week for the best, lasting results. For more information on ENIKŌ's famous skincare techniques including facial yoga, facial reflexology, acupressure and more, make sure to follow @eniko_skincare and @eniko_facial_yoga_plus on Instagram.
June 1, 2021
The skin has an amazing array of functions. It envelops the body providing a flexible, air and watertight barrier between our body’s tissues and the environment. It provides protection from a range of harmful environmental factors such as temperature, mechanical injury, radiation, chemicals and toxins, bacteria, viruses and parasites, to name a few. The skin regulates our body’s temperature in a number of ways such as insulation, perspiration and blood circulation. The skin also contains five kinds of sensory nerve receptors to form the somatosensory system which provides feedback to the brain about the immediate environment. Last but certainly not least, the skin also plays an aesthetic role. For better or worse, society holds aesthetics in high regard. For this reason, most are concerned about appearance and a major part of that is the condition of the skin. Generally speaking, people try to look after or improve their skin by using topical products and services, a testament to the size of the beauty industry. Most however, don’t give much thought to the fact that skin condition is not just a reflection of how the skin is maintained externally, but is also a result of internal health. The body, and in-turn skin, needs the correct care, conditions and nutrients in order to function and look its best. This is why we need to go back to the basics. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is divided into three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. It contains about 70% water, with the remainder being protein, fats (approx. 50% ceramides, 35% cholesterol and 15% free fatty acids), trace minerals, nucleic acids and numerous other elements. The epidermis is relatively thin and is made up of three main groups of cells. The main cells are keratinocytes (skin cells). These develop in the subcutaneous layer and, over approximately one month, migrate to the stratum corneum (surface) where they are shed. Mental note: remember the ‘stratum corneum’ as we will discuss this a lot more in posts to come. The other two main cells are melanocytes (pigment cells) and langerhans cells (immune cells). Next is the dermis. This is a much deeper layer at approximately 20 to 30 times thicker. Here you can find the specialized proteins of collagen and elastin that form various sizes and types of fibers. Other types of proteins form a complex gel that surround these fibers creating an area called the extracellular matrix. The lower most layer, where keratinocytes are formed, has a number of functions. It houses blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerves. This layer also contains collagen fibers along with other substances called proteoglycans or glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs). Here you can find fat cells which, don’t just help prevent the body from the cold, but also provide protection from mechanical injury. The thickness of this layer varies depending on the person and the body area. Like everything in the body, the skin requires certain nutrients to make constituents such as keratin, elastin, collagen and GAGs. Essentially, the body should get all these nutrients from food. Some people though, end up more deficient in these nutrients than others, which may be why certain people look worse off than others for their age. Without the key nutrients, lifestyle and environmental factors, skin begins to deteriorate and signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots develop. Skin therapy and supplementing the skin with nutrients, can however slow down the aging process. The trouble is, we assume skincare products and services, which provide short term improvements, will also be beneficial in the long term. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. Arguably one of the most important things to consider is how to support and enhance the skin’s ability to function and regenerate effectively. Second to this are the long term effects of what skin is exposed to. These two factors will greatly affect the skin’s ability to function optimally for many years to come. Achieving a balance doesn’t just involve using the right products, but reviewing what is going on internally to cause symptoms and treat conditions such as pigmentation, acne, rosacea, broken capillaries etc. It is essential to address the cause and not just the symptom. Stay tuned for upcoming hints tips and information on how to effectively look after and treat your skin and your health.
June 1, 2021
In our last blog, one of the basics we covered was the layers of the skin. Do you remember the ‘mental note’? No stress if not, it was the ‘stratum corneum’ also known as ‘the horny layer’. The stratum corneum, or SC as we’ll refer to from here on in, is the outermost layer of the skin. Previously, this layer was considered to be a lifeless membrane that merely provided some mechanical protection from the outside world and prevented water loss from within. Over the last half a century or so, studies have emerged showing that in addition to the previous simplistic assessment of this layer, the SC has biological properties and functions that directly and substantially contribute to, not just skin health, but health in general. The main champion of this research was Professor Albert Kligman who can be credited with pioneering studies into the SC and founding, what is now known as, Corneobiology. His work was furthered by Dr. Peter Elias who established ten major functions of the SC, with Kligman adding a further six. We believe the following stratum corneum functions are worth noting as they have a considerable impact on skin health and appearance: Permeability – A healthy SC will allow for effective absorption and excretion. Absorption via the skin, although vital, can be a pro and a con. It can be extremely useful when applying quality products that can improve or maintain the SC, deeper skin layers, or health in general. However, it also allows for the absorption of harmful environmental chemicals including ones commonly found in mainstream skincare products, so be mindful of your environment, and what you apply to your skin. Antimicrobial – A healthy SC will aid in protecting against bacteria and viruses. It does this via the acid mantle, being a slightly acidic layer (pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.2) of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. This acidic environment provides protection from microbes. If the SC’s homeostasis is compromised, so are its defenses, allowing microbes to invade affecting the skin and body’s health and appearance. Antioxidant – The SC regulates the production of antioxidants, in particular vitamin D, which protects against free radicals brought on by photo-oxidative stress, arguably the largest contributor to the signs of aging. Psychosensory – The SC provides feedback to the brain of its immediate surroundings. In order for the right messages to be transmitted, and the body to react appropriately, the SC must be healthy and working effectively. Hydration – The SC doesn’t just provide a mechanical barrier to water loss as previously thought. It is in fact permeable and regulates transepidermal water loss via the same layer that provides microbial protection. The hydrophobic properties of this ‘lipid layer’ (mental note for our next blog), can allow or prevent water loss, keeping the lower layers of the skin appropriately hydrated leaving skin moist and plump. Initiates inflammation – The SC can activate cytokines as a function of the immune system. Again, this can be a pro or a con. A proper functioning SC will trigger the immune system and cause inflammation as a defense mechanism when it senses a threat. However, a compromised SC can trigger inflammation at inappropriate times leading to troublesome skin conditions. Due to its diverse functions, the SC has attracted the attention of a number of scientific disciplines including molecular biologists, anatomists, physiologists, pharmacologists, geneticists and psychologists to name a few. This, in itself, vindicates the complex and vital role the SC plays in how the body functions, which is why ENIKŌ products focus on repairing and maintaining a healthy SC. Now that we have covered the basics of skin and in particular the SC, in future posts we will elaborate further on the stratum corneum, as well as lead into the importance of using appropriate products. We are starting to hear more and more about particular ingredients being harmful, so we will explain exactly why, and how to make sure your skin functions optimally and, in turn, have it looking as youthful and radiant as it should. Stay tuned! Sources and further information can be found at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00644.x https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3175800/