How to Repair Damaged Skin Barrier in 4 Steps
These days, there is a claim that multi-step skincare routines and using many products simultaneously are beneficial, however, simple skincare routines can benefit your skin barrier and the best thing that you can do for your skin is to enhance your skin barrier. In this guide, we’ll delve into what a skin barrier is, the symptoms of a damaged skin barrier, why hydration is crucial for your skin barrier and most importantly, how to repair a damaged skin barrier with easy and useful tips. Let’s talk about the 4 easiest steps that you can take to repair and protect your skin barrier!
What is Skin Barrier?
The skin barrier is the epidermis’s outermost layer, acting as a protective shield for your skin. There are three main functions of a skin barrier: keeping skin moisturized, therefore preventing irritation and premature aging; supporting the immune system by acting as a first defense for bacteria and viruses; and protecting skin from UV rays.
Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier
A damaged skin barrier may cause different problems, here are some symptoms for you to understand if your skin barrier is damaged:
- Dry and matte appearance
- Skin infections
- Increased allergic reactions
- Pimples, blemishes, and whiteheads
- Inflammation
- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin)
What Can Damage the Skin Barrier?
Both internal and external factors can be a cause of damaged skin barrier.
- Excessive sun exposure
- Low humidity
- Excessive water exposure (overwashing)
- Skincare products containing harsh chemicals
- Allergens
- Trauma (e.g. cuts, burns)
- UV rays
- Over exfoliation
How to Repair Skin Barrier?
First of all, you need to be patient. While damaging the skin barrier can be a piece of cake, repairing the damaged skin barrier needs some work. Here are 4 steps you can do to repair damaged skin barrier:
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Avoid using harsh cleansers that will strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. Be especially careful not to over-exfoliate your skin with products such as cleansers and toners with severe acids such as glycolic and salicylic acids. Cleansers, serums, and tonics containing acids such ingredients, when used every day, can cause serious damage to the skin barrier and cause redness, itching, and even burns.
2. Add Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body’s connective tissues. It’s a key component responsible for maintaining the skin’s plumpness and moisture. Given its role in providing hydration and elasticity to the skin, it plays a crucial role in the skin barrier. Not only does it contribute to a youthful appearance, but it also aids in wound healing. As we age, the natural presence of hyaluronic acid in our skin diminishes, emphasizing the importance of external application. Therefore, you may want to consider using them in serums, or moisturizers for topical usage.
Hyaluronic acid serums stand out as one of the few acids that can be applied to wet skin since they trap water and moisture on the skin’s surface. You can also apply moisturizer on top of hyaluronic acid serum rather than applying it to wet skin, this can yield similar effects. Alternatively, opting for moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid in their formula is another viable option.
3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturized
Keeping the skin moisturized is essential to prevent dryness, itching, redness, acne, and breakouts. To avoid these damages and protect your skin barrier, maintaining skin moisture is crucial. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin are particularly beneficial for preserving skin moisture and promoting a radiant and vibrant complexion. These ingredients can also help prevent premature aging. Essential oils like jojoba oil or lavender oil also help to maintain the moisture balance of your skin.
4. Understand the Importance of Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen use is one of the most important factors in protecting the skin barrier. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause temporary or permanent damage to our skin barrier. In addition to side effects itching, and burns, it can also manifest as dark spots on the skin, known as hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, one of the most significant effects of early skin aging is also excessive exposure to sunlight. Therefore, using sunscreen with at least SPF 20 daily and regularly replenishing your sunscreen is crucial. When choosing sunscreen, make sure it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Last Words
Personally, I think following a simple skincare routine is more beneficial for the skin. Especially if you do not have very problematic skin, heavy acids such as glycolic acid and AHA/BHA should not be used on the skin without consulting a dermatologist. For this reason, I like to choose cruelty-free and vegan brands and follow routines that contain cleaner ingredients, do not harm nature, and only take 10 minutes a day. While I use a cleanser containing ceramide, hyaluronic acid serum, and sunscreen in the morning, I prefer to use a cleanser and moisturizer at night.
By following these simple 4 steps in your skincare routine, you can repair and protect your skin barrier and enhance your beauty.
