Repairing Your Skin’s Barrier When It’s Compromised

We all aspire to have clear, smooth, and comfortable skin, which is why having a strong skin barrier is key. However, the truth is that it can become damaged and compromised over time, often caused by environmental aggressors like excessive sun exposure or air pollution. Harsh products can also damage your skin. If you’re wondering how to repair your skin barrier, the good news is that it’s not too late.

The Importance of the Skin Barrier

The epidermis is generally called the skin barrier. It’s the top layer of the skin that protects from external factors, essentially serving as the first line of defence. In layman’s terms, it’s the middleman between your skin and bacteria, pollution, and UV radiation. It's made up of natural oils, fatty acids, and skin cells that work to hydrate, protect, and give your skin a healthier look and feel.

It's also vital for regulating the skin’s moisture levels because it locks in moisture and works to retain it in adverse conditions. A damaged skin barrier could result in dryness, redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts.

Things That Damage Skin Barrier

Various things could damage the skin barrier, including:

• The wrong products for your skin: Some skincare products and soaps contain ingredients that might not be suitable for your skin type or condition. Harsh ingredients could cause damage to your skin barrier and strip it of essential and natural oils. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
• External elements: Our everyday environment has an impact on our skin. Pollution, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions can strip the skin barrier of its natural antioxidants and break down collagen, causing premature aging through the development of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s important to protect skin from pollution and other external aggressors.
• Exfoliating too much: Too much of a good thing can be bad. This is true for washing and exfoliating. Going overboard can not only strip your skin of essential moisture and damage the barrier, but it can also cause small tears and flare-up skin irritation.
• Not eating the right food: A poor diet and too much processed food can cause skin conditions like acne and eczema.
• Not getting enough sleep: Your skin uses your sleep time to recover and repair itself, so if you don’t give it time to do so, it will be evident in a compromised skin barrier.

Restoring and Protecting Skin Barrier

Your skin type, habits, and lifestyle should all be taken into consideration when looking to restore and protect your skin’s barrier.

1. Make Your Skincare Routine Simpler

Damage to the skin barrier can heighten sensitivity and irritation, which is why straightforward skincare is often recommended. By cutting down, you’re avoiding any unnecessary steps that might cause inflammation or further irritation. The three essential steps that should be in any skincare routine are: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.

Start by using a gentle cleanser and toner that are suitable for your skin. Thereafter, choose a hydrating serum and/or emulsion, and then seal the deal with a nourishing moisturizer and lightweight SPF. Ideally, you should avoid any other additional products that may contain harsh ingredients. Alternatively, you could adopt a skin cycling routine which will give your skin a chance to renew itself. There’s no set period for healing a damaged skin barrier, so it’s important to not throw in the towel if you don’t see immediate results and remain consistent if your chosen products are showing an improvement.

What we recommend: Crème Ancienne – This face cream is like no other. It has a rich texture that intensely nourishes for healthier-looking skin, while also improving the skin's stability. Made with Meadowfoam seed oil to soften the skin, vitamin E for protection, beeswax to retain moisture, and Chamomile wax for a soothing effect, this is a must-have for sensitive or delicate skin. People with oily or acne-prone skin can opt for the Crème Ancienne Soft Cream, which offers similar benefits.

2. Use Antioxidants for Restoration

By ensuring that your daily skincare routine comprises antioxidant-rich ingredients, you’re taking a step in the right direction. Ceramides and niacinamide are helpful for replenishing when contained in skin-barrier repair products, while hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol are key for locking in water and moisture. Aloe, Calendula, and Chamomile extracts are essential for soothing the skin. These are the types of ingredients you should prioritize in your skincare products.

What we recommend: Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum – Made with a base of antioxidant-rich oils and enriched with Adaptive Phytocompound Tea (APT) Technology™, niacinamide, 5kDA hyaluronic acid, and ceramide III, this one-of-a-kind facial serum packs a serious punch. It works to restore the skin’s barrier and make it resilient to fight against external factors. With continued and regular twice-daily use, you can expect to see smoother and plumper skin.

3. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Giving your skin the hydration it needs is important for replenishing the skin barrier. A damaged barrier loses moisture quickly, so you need to keep hydrating it for a visible improvement and to reduce dryness, redness, and irritation. Although serums can contain hydrating ingredients and moisturizers are non-negotiable, emulsions are often overlooked despite their multiple benefits. They’re lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin for a longer-lasting effect.

What we recommend: Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion – With a lightweight finish, this emulsion won’t weigh you down. It’s perfect for balancing the skin's natural oil-water ratio and is suitable for all skin types. It can be used alone or in combination with a moisturizer to deliver gentle ingredients such as soothing Rose Flower oil, smoothing Yarrow extract, and strengthening Damask Rose extract. Through regular and consistent use, you can expect visibly plump, refreshed, and softer skin.

4. Adopt Healthy Habits

What you do daily is very important in the restoration process. If you don’t change your habits for the better, chances are you won’t be able to restore your skin’s barrier because you’re still doing the same thing. You must combat lifestyle stressors to attain beautiful-looking skin. Through small, daily changes – such as getting more sleep, eating well, and wearing SPF – you can expect a visible improvement over time.

Discover What fresh Has to Offer

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