Why does persistent use of harsh, alkaline soaps disrupt skin's barrier function?

💡 Explanation

Alkaline soaps emulsify sebum, which is essential for maintaining the skin's hydrophobic lipid barrier. This emulsification impairs the barrier's ability to prevent water loss and protect against irritants, because the lipid matrix is disrupted, therefore, barrier function declines, rather than keratinocytes directly absorbing alkali or Langerhans cells being primarily affected.

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