barrera cutánea
/bareɾa kutanea/from spelling rules
The English phrase skin barrier is translated into Spanish as barrera cutánea.
The term refers to the outermost layer of the skin that protects the body from harmful substances and prevents water loss. In skincare contexts, you will often see it used with verbs such as dañar (to damage) or comprometer (to compromise).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of barrera, meaning barrier and cutánea, meaning cutaneous or relating to the skin.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Barrera cutánea is the technical and medical term used by dermatologists and in scientific contexts. Similarly, Barrera de la piel is a formal way to express this concept. If you wish to emphasize the protective role of the skin, you can use the formal phrase Función protectora de la piel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, barrera epidérmica is used as an alternate way to refer to the skin barrier.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to their feminine plural forms, resulting in barreras cutáneas.
Did you know?
- The word barrera shares a root with barra, which in Spanish refers to everything from a metal bar and a snack bar to the counter in a pub.
- In Spanish, the adjective cutánea comes from the Latin word cutis, which is also the root of the English word 'cuticle'.
- While barrera cutánea is the medical standard, Spanish speakers often use the word cutis when talking about the skin's appearance or health in beauty contexts.
Examples in context
- La barrera cutánea es esencial para mantener la integridad de la piel.The skin barrier is vital for maintaining skin integrity.
- La barrera cutánea es fundamental para la salud.The skin barrier is fundamental for health.
- Este jabón ayuda a proteger la barrera cutánea.This soap helps protect the skin barrier.
- Necesitas reparar tu barrera cutánea después del invierno.You need to repair your skin barrier after winter.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about skincare products in a pharmacy.
- Mateo¿Qué me recomiendas para la piel seca?What do you recommend for dry skin?
- LucíaBusca una crema que fortalezca la barrera cutánea.Look for a cream that strengthens the skin barrier.
- MateoEntiendo, ¿esta marca es buena para eso?I see, is this brand good for that?
- LucíaSí, es excelente para hidratar tu piel.Yes, it is excellent for hydrating your skin.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barrera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
