SKIN BARRIER 101

What is the skin barrier?

Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids make up the majority of the skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier. These lipids collaborate to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the enviroment. Damage to the skin barrier occurs in the form of miniscule cracksthrough which moisture can easily escape and irritants can enter more easily.

Signs your skin barrier is damaged:

When your skin barrier is healthy, it seems plump, smooth, and soft to the touch. If you have oily skin that is also dehydrated, it's a symptom that your skin barrier is damaged.

Some other damaged skin barrier symptoms:

• Redness 
• Rosacea 
• Flakiness & Peeling
• Dehydration
• Tightness
• Sensitivity
• Itchiness 
• Rough to the touch 
• Stinging or burning sensation when products are applied 
• Crepiness and fine lines 
• Rashes like eczema (atopic dermatitis) 
• Increased breakouts

When you go through this list of symptoms, you'll realise that a damaged skin barrier can cause a wide range of skin issues. That is why it is critical to look after your skin barrier.

How to repair damaged skin barrier?

The good news is that no matter how badly your skin barrier has been damaged, it can be repaired. Naturally, if the skin barrier has been damaged or compromised for an extended period of time, healing will take longer. There is no hard and fast rule for how long your skin barrier will need to restore. Your skin barrier should be restored in two to four weeks if you take good care of it.

What ingredients to avoid? 

A multi-pronged strategy is recommended for optimal skin barrier healing. To begin, you must protect your skin by limiting its exposure to external irritants. This includes using sunscreen every day, avoiding hot water in the shower, and limiting exfoliating. It's also a good idea to cut back (or quit) on drinking alcohol and smoking.

Using gentle products is critical for your skin. Here are some ingredients to avoid:

• Daily use of acidic ingredients like ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
• Overly-drying, harsh cleansing products
• Essential oils
• Harsh topical prescription acne medications (like benzoyl peroxide)
• Drying alcohols

What are the best skin barrier repair ingredients?

Use a moisture-rich products to moisturise and nourish your skin. Here are some ingredients for skin barrier repair: 

• Hyaluronic acid
• Peptides
• Ceramides
• High-quality SPF to protect against damaging UV rays

Top products to repair skin barrier

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
• The Ordinary Buffet
• Some By Mi Propolis B5 Glow Barrier Calming Serum
• Purito Centella Unscented Serum
• Iunik Beta Glucan Serum

As long as you take proper care of your skin, it can mend itself rapidly and effectively. Give your skin barrier some attention, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you see a difference.