Understanding the latest skincare terms and must-try ingredients can feel like learning a new language. So, if you’ve noticed that your favourite brands and products keep referring to your ‘skin barrier’ and have no idea what it is and why you need to look after it, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know, from how to repair your skin barrier to the signs of skin barrier damage. Together, let’s unlock the secret to glowing, healthy, skin…
What do we mean by ‘skin barrier’?
‘Skin barrier’ refers to the outermost layer of skin, which acts as a shield protecting all the layers underneath. To the naked eye your skin looks like one single layer, but scientists and dermatologists will tell you it’s more like a brick wall made up of skin cells (the bricks) and various lipids like cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides (the mortar).
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, which means the skin barrier has several important jobs. From protecting your skin from outside aggressors (like pollution and UV) to keeping your skin and body hydrated, it plays a big part in regulating your health.
What causes damage to your skin barrier?
It’s tricky to pinpoint the sole cause of skin barrier damage as many factors can come into play, including:
– Environment (air pollution, sun damage, extreme humidity)
– Allergens, irritants, and bacteria
– Stress
– Lack of sleep
– Genetics and ageing
– Medication (eg. Steroids)
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged?
If you look in the mirror and see plump, hydrated, smooth and soft skin, then your skin barrier is functioning as it should – it’s healthy and happy.
When your skin barrier is damaged, you’ll easily spot the signals of distress. The signs may include:
– Itchiness, tightness
– Sensitivity, inflammation
– Increased breakouts/blemishes
– Skin infections
– Scaly patches or extreme dryness
– Hyperpigmentation
How to repair your skin barrier
If you spot any of the signs that your skin barrier is damaged, then here’s what you can do to soothe and repair.
Keep a simple skincare routine
Less is more when your skin is easily irritated. Pick a simple routine that’s gentle and hydrating and try to stick to it consistently for 2-3 weeks before reintroducing exfoliants and retinoids (as over-exfoliation and harsh chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin when the barrier is damaged).
We recommend opting for a stripped back routine to cleanse, moisturise, and protect (eg: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, rich moisturiser, SPF). Also, don’t introduce any new products until your skin feels healthy to minimise any further irritation.
B. Skincare
B. Instant Foaming Cleanser 100ML
£10.00
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
A damaged skin barrier can’t hold onto moisture, resulting in water loss and dehydrated skin. So, it’s important to use skincare saviours that reintroduce bucketloads of moisture – and fast. Look for hero ingredients hyaluronic acid and glycerin in moisturisers and serums, as they can attract water from all layers of your skin and will help to reinforce your skin barrier.
Me+
Me+ Hyaluronic Booster 30ml
£7.50
L'Oreal Paris
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Serum Hyaluronic Acid 30ml
£31.99
Choose skin barrier repairing ingredients
As well as hydrating ingredients, your skin will love soaking up products that accelerate the healing process. Look for ceramides, free fatty acids, niacinamide to restore the skin barrier, while natural extracts like aloe and calendula help soothe redness and irritation.
Me+
Me+ Ceramide Moisturiser 50ml
£5.00
Cetaphil
DNR Cetaphil Brightening Day Cream Spf15 Niacinamide 50G
£5.00
How to protect your skin barrier
As with most skincare concerns, prevention is better than cure. While skincare alone can’t completely protect you from damage, it can positively impact your skin’s resilience and appearance. Don’t wait for the signs of damage before you give your skin barrier extra special attention, instead easily incorporate these tips into your everyday.
Wash your face with lukewarm water: We know it’s tempting to multi-task in the shower, butour skin doesn’t like hot water – it can strip the skin of natural oils and cause dryness. Our skin works better under lukewarm conditions.
Use SPF: We’ll repeat this over and over, but SPF is the protection you need every, single day.
Don’t over-exfoliate: If you overuse AHAs and retinol you increase cell turnover, which can lead to damage and irritation.
Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?) with a try-anything-once approach to skincare, it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and must-try hacks.
Home » How to repair your skin barrier
How to repair your skin barrier
Home » How to repair your skin barrier
Understanding the latest skincare terms and must-try ingredients can feel like learning a new language. So, if you’ve noticed that your favourite brands and products keep referring to your ‘skin barrier’ and have no idea what it is and why you need to look after it, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know, from how to repair your skin barrier to the signs of skin barrier damage. Together, let’s unlock the secret to glowing, healthy, skin…
What do we mean by ‘skin barrier’?
‘Skin barrier’ refers to the outermost layer of skin, which acts as a shield protecting all the layers underneath. To the naked eye your skin looks like one single layer, but scientists and dermatologists will tell you it’s more like a brick wall made up of skin cells (the bricks) and various lipids like cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides (the mortar).
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, which means the skin barrier has several important jobs. From protecting your skin from outside aggressors (like pollution and UV) to keeping your skin and body hydrated, it plays a big part in regulating your health.
What causes damage to your skin barrier?
It’s tricky to pinpoint the sole cause of skin barrier damage as many factors can come into play, including:
– Environment (air pollution, sun damage, extreme humidity)
– Allergens, irritants, and bacteria
– Stress
– Lack of sleep
– Genetics and ageing
– Medication (eg. Steroids)
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged?
If you look in the mirror and see plump, hydrated, smooth and soft skin, then your skin barrier is functioning as it should – it’s healthy and happy.
When your skin barrier is damaged, you’ll easily spot the signals of distress. The signs may include:
– Itchiness, tightness
– Sensitivity, inflammation
– Increased breakouts/blemishes
– Skin infections
– Scaly patches or extreme dryness
– Hyperpigmentation
How to repair your skin barrier
If you spot any of the signs that your skin barrier is damaged, then here’s what you can do to soothe and repair.
Keep a simple skincare routine
Less is more when your skin is easily irritated. Pick a simple routine that’s gentle and hydrating and try to stick to it consistently for 2-3 weeks before reintroducing exfoliants and retinoids (as over-exfoliation and harsh chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin when the barrier is damaged).
We recommend opting for a stripped back routine to cleanse, moisturise, and protect (eg: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, rich moisturiser, SPF). Also, don’t introduce any new products until your skin feels healthy to minimise any further irritation.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
A damaged skin barrier can’t hold onto moisture, resulting in water loss and dehydrated skin. So, it’s important to use skincare saviours that reintroduce bucketloads of moisture – and fast. Look for hero ingredients hyaluronic acid and glycerin in moisturisers and serums, as they can attract water from all layers of your skin and will help to reinforce your skin barrier.
Choose skin barrier repairing ingredients
As well as hydrating ingredients, your skin will love soaking up products that accelerate the healing process. Look for ceramides, free fatty acids, niacinamide to restore the skin barrier, while natural extracts like aloe and calendula help soothe redness and irritation.
How to protect your skin barrier
As with most skincare concerns, prevention is better than cure. While skincare alone can’t completely protect you from damage, it can positively impact your skin’s resilience and appearance. Don’t wait for the signs of damage before you give your skin barrier extra special attention, instead easily incorporate these tips into your everyday.
About Elena Chow
Copywriter
Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?) with a try-anything-once approach to skincare, it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and must-try hacks.
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