From Local to Systemic: How the TLC Strategy is Reshaping Skin Barrier Health for the Chinese Population

In China, approximately40%-70%A significant population faces the issue of compromised skin barriers. This phenomenon results from the combined effects of the unique physiological structure of Chinese skin, increasingly severe environmental stressors, and improper skincare practices. In the face of this widespread challenge, traditional repair models relying on single ingredients have proven inadequate, creating an urgent need for a paradigm shift in both philosophy and technology within the field of skin health. At present, a wave of collaborative innovation integrating clinical medicine, basic scientific research, and cutting-edge biotechnology is emerging, aiming to provide novel solutions for skin barrier repair.

Recently, the “International Journal of Dermatology, IJD》The China Special Issue has been officially released, focusing on “Management Strategies for Skin Barrier Dysfunction and Advances in Skincare.” It features five high-quality studies from leading domestic institutions, including Huashan Hospital, the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, and Peking University First Hospital. Covering mechanistic exploration, clinical practice, and epidemiological surveys, the issue highlights China’s scientific research strength and international influence in the field of skin barrier science.

Professor Yang Bin also systematically elaborated on the “TLC"Skin Barrier Repair Strategies"—namely,Target(against disorders),Lock(Moisture-locking and hydrating)Connect(Strengthening Connections) A Systemic Repair Concept Integrating Three Dimensions. This strategy transcends the limitations of traditional single-point repair, emphasizing the multi-dimensional restoration of skin homeostasis through the microbiome, inflammatory pathways, and cellular junctions, thereby providing a scientific framework for clinical diagnosis and treatment as well as daily skincare.

As the outermost defense system of the human body, the skin barrier performs multiple functions, including resisting external irritants, maintaining moisture balance, and regulating the microecology. In an interview, Professor Yang Bin pointed out that skin barrier dysfunction can be categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary dysfunction is commonly seen in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, and solar dermatitis, and is often associated with genetic factors like filaggrin defects in the epidermis. Secondary dysfunction, on the other hand, is frequently triggered by other dermatological conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and neurodermatitis, and may even be exacerbated by improper skincare practices and medical aesthetic procedures.

The High Prevalence of Skin Barrier Issues in the Chinese Population: A Dual Physiological and Social Background Professor Yang Bin’s analysis points out that Chinese people generally have a thinner stratum corneum and lower sebum secretion, making their skin more sensitive to environmental changes such as climate, pollution, and humidity. Meanwhile, the fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle of modern urban living, coupled with frequent late nights, further weakens the skin’s self-repair capacity. More notably, with the rise of the “beauty economy” in recent years, behaviors such as excessive cleansing, frequent use of makeup removers, and blind adherence to medical aesthetic trends have become common among younger demographics. These practices exacerbate the burden on the skin barrier, even leading to a vicious cycle where “the more one cares for their skin, the more sensitive it becomes.”

According to clinical observations and epidemiological studies, there are approximately in China40%To70%of the population exhibits signs of compromised skin barrier function at various life stages. This data not only reflects the prevalence of the issue but also underscores its significant public health implications. Once the skin barrier is impaired, it can lead to subjective discomforts such as dryness, redness, and stinging, and may even trigger or exacerbate inflammatory skin diseases, thereby affecting patients' quality of life and mental well-being. Therefore, Professor Yang Bin emphasizes that skin barrier health should not be viewed merely as a cosmetic concern, but rather as the starting point for the prevention, treatment, and health management of skin diseases.

In thisIJDIn the China special issue, multiple studies address this practical need from various perspectives. For example, the team from the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University proposed “TLC“Comprehensive Repair Strategy” constructs a systematic repair framework from three dimensions: targeting dysregulation, moisture retention and hydration, and strengthening connections; Associate Professor Ren Jie from Huashan Hospital confirmed through in vitro experiments and clinical validation that the based-onTLCThe efficacy of the concept-driven composite formulation in suppressing inflammation and promoting the restoration of barrier proteins. These studies not only possess academic depth but also demonstrate strong potential for clinical translation.

TLC, i.e.Target-Lock-Connect, is a systematic skin barrier repair strategy proposed by Professor Yang Bin’s team based on the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients.Target, refers to combating skin disorders by balancing the microbial flora, regulating cellular immunity, and stabilizing the skinpHvalues, to restore the homeostasis of the skin microenvironment;Lock, which locks in moisture and hydrates, emphasizing the enhancement of skin hydration while replenishing water to prevent excessive moisture loss;Connect, it focuses on strengthening intercellular junctions and the dermal-epidermal junction to enhance the structural integrity of the skin.

Professor Yang Bin pointed out that traditional skincare often limits itself to single-point repairs such as “hydration” or “anti-inflammation,” overlooking the holistic nature of the skin as a complex system.TLCThe proposed strategy aims to break this limitation and drive the transformation of repair concepts from “localized intervention” to “systemic management.”

For example, in “Target” level, patients should prioritize skincare products with features such as microbiome regulation, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, and a weakly acidic pH; in “Lock” level, it is important to use products containing occlusive ingredients such as lanolin and petrolatum to achieve both hydration and moisture retention; in “Connect“At this level, practices that may compromise cellular junctions—such as excessive cleansing, frequent use of facial masks, and overuse of photoelectric therapies—should be avoided. Professor Yang Bin specifically emphasized, ‘Skincare is not about doing more; rather, it should be scientific, moderate, and systematic.’”

Actually, "TLC“This is also a case of medical-engineering integration, a concept jointly proposed by Cetaphil and Professor Yang Bin. Recently, Cetaphil”®Introducing the Ultra-Repair Essence Cream for the Chinese population, with its core “TLC"Essence" ingredients inhibit NF-κB Signaling pathways, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, enhance water-locking and moisturizing functions, promote6Synthesizes key proteins for epidermal repair, stabilizes the structure of the cornified envelope, and provides comprehensive restoration for skin with a compromised barrier.