How do I repair a damaged skin barrier?
The best defense is a good offense
Most of us are after a clear complexion. We want the best, most supple, glowing appearance but there are so many different ways we can get tripped up. With the shine and glamour of different types of new skincare products out there, it can be tempting to believe that a brightening cream or rejuvenating essence is the missing piece to the puzzle that is our skin. So much so that we can forget that a much simpler answer is already sitting in our lap.
They always say prevention is better than cure, and that couldn’t be truer in this situation.
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the top layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) and is responsible for keeping moisture and important nutrients in while simultaneously keeping harmful external stimuli out. We’ve said it before, but it bears saying again, your moisture barrier is your skin’s first line of defense.
Is my skin barrier damaged?
If your skin barrier is broken, you may find yourself facing an oil-moisture imbalance - your skin may feel very dry at times and very oily at others. You could be facing itchiness, sensitized skin, and a continuous barrage of skin troubles.
Living with a damaged skin barrier is like living in a house with very thin walls and no doors and windows. Almost anything can get in, and none of your valuables are secure.
When you’ve got a damaged skin barrier, your skin may become more reactive to your normal skincare routine, and your normally smooth complexion could become rough and bumpy to the touch.
Why is my skin barrier damaged?
There are many possible reasons! Your skin barrier may be damaged by external factors such as overexposure to UV rays or a reaction to a harsh new product. It could be chalked up to unhealthy lifestyle choices or excessive cleansing or scrubbing could break it down. Sometimes, it’s an inadequate moisturizing habit or simply the result of aging.
How do I fix it?
Keep an eye out for products that are designed to help strengthen your moisture barrier! Active ingredients that temporarily soothe irritated skin, moisturize, and help improve skin elasticity will, over time, help you rebuild. Some key ingredients you may recognise: ceramides, madecassoside, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and squalene.
If you suspect that it's your late nights and fast food habit that’s a contributing factor, it might be a good idea to reign yourself back in. Drink your water and get yourself back on a good schedule.
How do I keep my skin barrier strong?
Keeping your moisture barrier strong is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your skincare routine. A strong and healthy skin barrier ensures that your chosen products work well and as expected. So the question continues to be: how do you maintain a robust skin barrier?
A soothing and skin barrier strengthening product like the Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream can help to restore a weakened skin barrier. It contains Centella 4X to soothe sensitive skin and phytosterols that can strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
In addition to strengthening your skin barrier, this cream carries with it the benefits of retinol (= vitamin A1), an ingredient known for improving skin texture and preventing roughness.
It has a lightweight, moist texture which makes it easy to absorb and is suitable for acne-prone skin and troubled skin.
Whether you’re struggling with a compromised skin barrier or you’re looking out for your future self, a product like this defense cream could be a valuable addition to your arsenal.
Always use protection! ;)
x
Gi