What is the Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier acts as a protective seal, holding the outermost layers of your skin together. When these layers are healthy, your skin feels soft, supple, and plump. However, if the barrier is damaged, your skin may feel rough or dry and look dull. A compromised skin barrier struggles to retain essential substances like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid), which are crucial for maintaining skin structure. This leads to water loss and makes your skin more vulnerable to external irritants and stressors.
What Can Damage Your Skin Barrier?
- Overuse of active ingredients (see more on these below)
- Too much time in the sun
- Harsh weather conditions (e.g., extra dry or cold climates)
- Steroid creams
- Harsh chemicals
- Air pollution
- What are ‘Active Ingredients’?
Active ingredients are skincare components that target specific concerns like dullness, acne, bumps, or fine lines. They’re most commonly found in exfoliators, face masks, toners, and serums.
Examples of active ingredients include:
- Vitamin C
- AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid and lactic acid)
- BHAs (e.g., salicylic acid)
- Retinol
- Anti-acne treatments (e.g., Differin)
How Can I Tell If My Skin Barrier is Damaged?
Signs of a damaged skin barrier include inflammation, sensitivity, extreme dryness, and an increased tendency to develop acne, spots, or small bumps that don’t form heads.
Here’s where it gets tricky: these symptoms might tempt you to reach for exfoliants to smooth your skin. But put the AHAs down! Over-exfoliation will only worsen the problem.
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
Strip your routine back to the basics. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that’s either water-based or oil-based (or both, if you double cleanse). Avoid cleansers with active ingredients.
2. Moisturise
Choose a nourishing, soothing moisturiser with no active ingredients. The best option? Our Ultra Sensitive Skin Balm!
3. Use SPF Every Morning
Yes, even in our current gloomy weather! Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of a damaged skin barrier. Opt for a fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Be Patient
Repairing your skin barrier can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the damage. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your skin feels softer, smoother, and more supple.
In the meantime, avoid picking your skin, stay consistent with your routine, and don’t panic if you get a few more pimples during the healing process. Good things take time!