Skin barrier ingredient Ectoin is having its moment and the new The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum contains this fantastic ingredient. Here’s a complete guide to this new hydrating, barrier-supporting serum, including which skin types and conditions will benefit the most.
What is the Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum?
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is a lightweight, silky, barrier-strengthening serum that combines hydration heroes; hyaluronic acid and glycerine, with skin barrier support champions including ceramides, ectoin, cholesterol and fatty acids.
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum: Skin Expert Opinion
As a skin expert who pays particular attention to the ingredients list, I found this serum brilliant and I would 100% recommend it. One thing The Inkey List fails to mention is its complete formula… not only does it contain three ceramides, but also includes ingredients that support the skin’s production of its own ceramides, and the same goes for hyaluronic acid too. I love it when a formula goes beyond just adding ingredients—actively boosting and energising skin cells to support their natural production of proteins and lipids.
I tried this in the morning following my antioxidant serum the evening prior, and I do prefer to add it to my morning skincare routine.
Suitable for vegans, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free.
BUY HERE: The Inkey List
What skin types best suit Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum?
All skin types experiencing dehydration (the loss of water in the skin) would both love and benefit from the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum. As a facialist and skincare expert, I see more people experiencing dehydration than not. Dehydration can affect all skin types and ages however it is transitional; meaning it can be temporary when treated with the right products. Hydration is one of the most important factors for your skin and without it, your skin won’t flourish.
What causes dehydration?
Pollution, weather, stress, medication, poor skincare, too many skincare actives and over-exfoliation can all contribute to dehydration. They weaken the skin barrier allowing water to escape resulting in the skin feeling tight, taut, parched and thirsty.
How to treat dehydration?
Treating dehydration requires a two-pronged approach. Firstly, the skin barrier needs to be strengthened to prevent water loss and secondly, the skin needs intense hydration. Unfortunately, only doing one of these things is not enough to tackle dehydration. So if your skin is constantly dehydrated, try to find a serum that both infuses the skin with hydration and restores the skin barrier.
What is Ectoin in skincare?
Ectoin is gaining a lot of interest, and as far as ingredients go, it’s an exciting skincare discovery. Ectoin is a natural ingredient (although can often be synthetic too) that was first discovered in a salt lake in Egypt. It’s now famed for its ability to survive hostile and harsh conditions such as Arctic ice and extremely high temperatures. It’s an amino acid (building blocks that the skin needs to function) that can protect against oxidative stress (a process that damages the skin cells), as well as reduce inflammation - soothe and hydrate. The perfect skincare ingredient for dry, thirsty parched skin.
Will the new Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum repair my skin barrier?
The Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is clinically proven to increase hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, an essential factor to consider when deciding if this serum is for you. If your skin barrier is compromised and you’re experiencing stinging, itchy, burning and sensitivity, then you’ll likely need a barrier repair product on top of this one. That said, if you’re experiencing dehydrated, parched & thirsty skin, this is a great addition to your skincare routine.
How to apply and application tips
On the packaging, The Inkey List mentions applying it as your first serum. However, if you’re using essences, mists or lighter-weight serums, I would recommend applying them first. I applied my antioxidant serum first followed by the Hydro-Barrier serum which worked perfectly over the top. If you do have thirsty dehydrated skin, you may find using the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum on its own not enough.
Do I need to apply a hyaluronic acid serum underneath?
I wouldn’t recommend applying a hyaluronic acid whilst using this serum as it contains a multi-weight hyaluronic acid. If your skin is thirsty and you’re in need of additional hydration, I suggest applying a mist or an essence first.
How should I layer this with exfoliating acids and retinoids?
When it comes to layering, generically, I would say leave exfoliating acids on for several minutes and when the product has absorbed and the skin is dry to the touch, I would follow with the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum over the top, and I would also do this with retinoids too.
What moisturiser is best with the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum?
A ceramide moisturiser would be the ultimate dream & will layer beautifully on top of the Hydro-Barrier Serum. I’d recommend the Bio-Active Ceramide MoisturiSer from The Inkey List, created to strengthen the skin barrier and provide 24hr hydration to smooth and plump the skin.
BUY HERE: Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser Duo
For more hydrating serums that are FB-approved see here The Best Budget Hydrating Skincare Serums - Fiona Brackenbury.
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Fiona x
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