Absorbent articles which provide superior protection against wet through under impact or sustained pressure, and high convective air flow therethrough for skin health and comfort benefits. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core and an absorbent barrier structure, wherein the absorbent barrier structure has a hydrohead value of at least about 10 mBars; a convective air permeability of at least about 10 Darcy/mm; and a liquid impact transmission value of less than about 20 g/m.sup.2.