“Below the surface of the skin is a fat layer that protects your bones, nerves, and circulatory system from extreme heat and cold,” notes skin care expert Pamela Friedman, founder of CV Skinlabs. “It also provides protective padding from impacts and helps store energy like a battery.” When your skin barrier weakens, that layer becomes more vulnerable to external aggressors, which could also explain why your cardiovascular and skin health are so intertwined.