Is your skin barrier damaged? Here’s what to do about it.
Do you have a damaged skin barrier?
Your face should feel amazing when you apply good, skincare products not sting or feel tight. If this is happening to you, you most likely have a damaged skin barrier. Which leads us to a very important question: what the heck is the skin barrier and how can I repair it?
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier also known as the “moisture barrier” or “acid mantle” is the term to describe the outermost layer of your skin.
When we talk skin, we talk about the 3 main layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the subcutaneous fat that forms a barrier between muscle and skin. Most references to the skin barrier are focused on the epidermis, the stratum corneum. This serves as a protective shield from environmental stressors, irritation, and inflammation.
Think of your skin like a brick wall. Your skin is made up of ‘bricks,’ proteins from your skin cells, and is held together by “mortar,” which are lipids and fats that create a strong, healthy barrier. To protect the foundation of our skin, we have to keep this lipid barrier healthy.
Why is the skin barrier important?
A skin barrier that is healthy is the key to even skin tone and that coveted dewy, hydrated glow. The role of the skin barrier is to protect the internal body from physical toxins such as pollution and UV rays from sun exposure. It also serves to help the body retain natural moisture by preventing water loss.
In a nutshell, if the outermost layer of the skin doesn’t contain enough water, it will lose elasticity and present itself as dry and flaky. Skin that is not hydrated is also more vulnerable to environmental aggressors.
How do you identify a damaged skin barrier?
Signs of a damaged skin barrier include but are not limited to:
- Skin irritation and itchiness
- Dehydrated, dull, lacklustre skin
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea and eczema
- Skin infections
A skin barrier can be damaged by many factors including smoking, sleep deprivation, stress, pollution, use of cleansers that are stripping, harsh exfoliants and UV rays.
How do you heal a damaged skin barrier?
Our number one tip is to pair back your skin care routine and nourish it with less but more nutrient rich ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and ceramides). Focus on ramping up the hydration and moisture. Plus…
- Use a Gentle (but effective) skin cleanser. Look for a cleanser that removes remnants of pollution on the skin, cleanses well but doesn’t strip the skin. Our favourite is the Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser by O Cosmedics.
- Use a serum with your skin barrier in mind. You don’t need to shy away from products like retinol in your skin layering, but balance it with products that feature ingredients designed to protect the skin barrier. We love Hyla Active by Dp Dermaceuticals or Hyaluronic Serum by O Cosmedics.
- Look for a rich and strengthening hydrator, Our pick? O Cosmedics Recovery Cream.
- Treat inflammation. Skip exfoliating actives when the skin is feeling sensitive and swap out for a serum or hydrator only.
- Self-care is crucial. What you eat, how much you sleep, and how much you stress will all have impacts on your overall skin health.
O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser
A gentle daily facial cleanser strengthened with powerful antioxidants. Suitable for all skin types including reactive and rosacea skins post peel laser and surgery cleansing. Fortified with anti-pollutant boosters that trap and remove dirt and excess sebum. V8 Peptide Complex® leaves the skin super hydrated and refreshed. Perfect for all skin types including the most compromised.
DP Dermaceuticals Hyla Active
An intensive moisture infusion that delivers the feeling of deep hydration, comfort and repair. Hyla Active restores harmony to all skin types and conditions, forming a ‘second skin’ to deliver immediate effect, whilst reducing and diffusing the appearance of visible redness and inflammation. Plumps and smooths the signs of environmental ageing. Containing the highest concentration of HylaFuse (Hyaluronic Acid), encapsulating bio-active ingredients of Zinc and Vitamin B5 to promote regenerations and repair for a younger-looking skin.
O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Serum
A multi-dimensional approach to skin hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Complex (derived from sugar) and an advanced skin delivery for enhanced penetration.
Supports instant and long-term skin hydration, skin health and skin youth across all ages and skin concerns. Perfect for all skins.
