Expert Tips On How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
One of the most valuable skincare lessons I can share is to get to know your skin barrier. Understanding your skin barrier and most importantly recognising the signs of an unhappy skin barrier will save you time and money in the long run. You probably have heard in the last few years more people talking about the skin barrier, and you probably have wondered what the skin barrier is and how I know if I have compromised or damaged the skin barrier. The skin barrier is probably the most important part of the skin and yet we do not appreciate how important this is to the health of our skin until it's too late.
What Is A Skin Barrier?
Think of the skin’s barrier as a brick wall, the bricks are the dead skin cells (corneocytes) and the cement is intercellular lipids.
The sole purpose of the skin barrier is to protect the skin, when the skin barrier is strong the skin can defend itself keeping the good stuff in and the skin enemies out.
The skin barrier's sole purpose is to protect the human body from environmental aggressions and to control what leaves the skin. If the skin barrier becomes damaged pollution and allergens can enter the skin and irritate the skin.
What can damage the skin barrier?
You can damage the skin barrier so easily and whilst being overzealous with skincare actives like AHAs, Vitamin C and retinoids can certainly be one of the biggest causes it doesn’t have to be the only cause of the disruption. Stress, menopause and age and can weaken the skin barrier from the inside and weather, central heating and air conditioning can cause havoc to the skin from the outside. Typically, it’s a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that create the perfect storm.
How do you know if you have damaged your skin barrier?
If your skin feels tight, taught, parched, and thirsty this is the first sign that the skin barrier has been compromised. Think of the skin barrier as a leaky bucket and it's not able to keep the hydration and moisture in the skin. The skin may also sting when you apply skincare and you may experience redness, and discomfort, the skin texture may feel raised and uneven and you may experience breakouts or extreme dryness.
How to repair the skin barrier on your face?
The first step is to strip your skincare back to basics, this will be a simple and effective skincare routine. This simple routine will comprise of a fragrance-free, hydrating, gentle cleanser, moisturiser and mineral SPF.
Consistency is key in this new routine making sure you are not tempted to add any exfoliating acids, Vitamin C or retinoids into the routine. Cutting these skincare actives out is key in the repair process of the skin barrier.Be careful of abrasive facecloths and physical scrubs, avoid hot water, and use only tepid warm water and it’s best if your skin is fragrance free. When the skin feels stronger, slowly introduce the skincare actives back one at a time.
What ingredients will repair your skin barrier?
Ceramides make up 50% of the lipids surrounding the dead skin cells, this powerhouse ingredient forms building blocks to strengthen and repair the skin barrier. The lipids mimic the barrier and help keep hydration in and skin irritants out.
Super vitamin Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) can boost the skin's ceramide production making this a brilliant ingredient to look out for.
Natural lipids are crucial for a strong skin barrier and skin’s ability to produce these lipids declines with age. As well as ceramides the skin will also need cholesterol and fatty acids.
My final two pieces of skincare advice are, try to understand what triggered the damage so you can avoid it and ensure you strengthen your skin barrier daily and don’t wait for the stinging even that tight, taught feeling means the skin barrier has been compromised.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
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Thank You For Reading
Bye for now,
Fiona x