The skin barrier is the top layer of skin that balances moisture levels and acts as a protective element against irritants and damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and bacteria. As a shield against harmful external factors, the skin barrier can help with skin concerns like acne by keeping out the bad stuff (bacteria) from the deeper layers of the skin.
But, there are certain skincare practices or out-of-our-control factors that can affect the skin barrier and how it operates. For example, if you overload your skin with too many strong skincare actives, then the skin can become irritated and dry, leading to barrier damage. But then there’s also things like sun exposure that you can’t exactly control. But, you protect yourself from sun damage through the use of protective clothing and sunscreen.
Skin barrier damage comes in many different forms. A damaged barrier can look and feel dry, red, flaky, and irritated. And with prolonged damage you can start to notice breakouts and discoloration. Since the barrier isn’t protecting the skin as it typically does, the skin can become more susceptible to the irritants noted earlier.
If you find yourself with a damaged barrier, there are certain skincare ingredients you can incorporate into your routine to help your skin barrier recover.
What skincare ingredients are best for skin barrier damage?
Just like you have super star ingredients for skin concerns like acne (like Salicylic Acid), there are also some great ingredients you need to look out for when treating a damaged barrier.
Ceramides
Found in the top layers of the skin, Ceramides provide part of that protective barrier that helps keep moisture in and protects from damaging factors. But, much like Collagen, Ceramides start to deplete in the skin due to age or UV damage. Depletion of Ceramides in the skin can make it more vulnerable to things like moisture loss, bacteria, and damage from sun exposure.
Adding skincare products with Ceramides into your routine can help replenish the skin and repair barrier damage. They help the skin barrier recover so it’s operating back at its optimal levels to help restore moisture and protect the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
For years now, Hyaluronic Acid has been a super popular ingredient in the skincare world, well known for its hydrating abilities. But, its benefits don’t stop there. Hyaluronic Acid also plays a vital role in skin barrier recovery.
Since a compromised skin barrier lacks hydration, Hyaluronic Acid can help bring some of that moisture back into the skin to help support the skin barrier.
Niacinamide
As a triple-threat ingredient, Niacinamide not only helps with discoloration and an uneven skin tone, but it also helps restore the skin barrier. It helps moisturize the skin and supports the Ceramides in the skin to better help a damaged barrier bounce back.
Omega Fatty Acids
Much like Ceramides, Omega Fatty Acids also make up the top layer of the skin. Omega Fatty Acids bring moisture to the skin, help protect from damaging external elements, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Cholesterol
Alongside Omega Fatty Acids, Cholesterol is also an essential building block of the skin barrier. Cholesterol (not the bad kind) helps retain moisture to support healthy-looking skin and ultimately helps restore a strong skin barrier.
Panthenol
Found in many moisturizing products, Panthenol is a great ingredient to help attract moisture to the skin’s surface. It also helps prevent moisture loss from the skin to help improve the look and feel of the skin.
Sunscreen
While sunscreen isn’t a specific ingredient, it’s a vital step in protecting your barrier from further UV damage. Depending on what your skin likes, you can opt for a mineral or chemical sunscreen. If you’re leaning on the sensitive side, it is best to use a mineral sunscreen to avoid further irritating the skin.
As you can probably tell by now, lots of skin-barrier friendly ingredients are primarily hydrating. Bringing moisture back to the skin is a big part of helping restore the skin barrier. But, these specific ingredients are some of the best to help not only moisturize the skin but also support the barrier.
Where you can find these ingredients:
Barrier Support Moisturizer
Our Barrier Support Moisturizer is made with a blend of Ceramides to best help restore the skin barrier, six types of Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate the skin, and Cholesterol to boost barrier recovery. Plus, it’s also made with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Cica to tackle the more annoying signs of a damaged barrier like redness and irritation.
Post-Blemish Corrector
While the Post-Blemish Corrector is more targeted to post-blemish marks, it is also made with Ceramide to help restore any post-pimple dryness. Often when using strong acne treatments you could end up with some super dry spots on the skin once the pimple has cleared up. The Post-Blemish Corrector includes Ceramide and other reparative ingredients like Peptides to help replenish the skin if you experience any post-acne flaking.
Keeping up with a barrier repair-focused routine and being consistent about it can help restore the barrier. As usual with skincare it’s all about consistency. Follow your barrier routine for as long as you need to help strengthen the skin barrier. This means it could take anywhere from a few weeks to even a few months. And even once your barrier is back to normal it’s recommended to keep up with barrier-friendly skincare practices.
