6 Products To Repair Your Damaged Skin Barrier

This post outlines five products to repair your damaged skin barrier.

I’m sure you have probably heard the phrase ‘skin barrier’ flying around and wondering what the hell it is.

I also thought it was another ‘skincare marketing gimmick’ until I recently started experiencing irritation from using too many actives on my skin.

Yes, there is such a thing as over-exfoliation.

You can also unknowingly overdo it with your activities, which can cause redness, inflammation and irritation.

In the long run, it can also damage your skin barrier if it is not addressed promptly.

So, what is the skin barrier?

Simply put, it is the outermost layer of the skin which you can feel and touch.

I’m sure you are aware that the skin is the body’s largest organ.

As such, it consists of many layers that can be easily damaged when over-manipulated.

This is one reason skincare is part of self-care, and you should take it seriously.

Like every other thing that is precious to you, you need to tend to it with some tender, loving care.

When your skin barrier is healthy, it is soft, smooth and plump.

It absorbs products well with little to no irritation.

On the other hand, when damaged, it becomes unnecessarily dry, dull, or prone to irritation.

This is when you notice your staple holy-grail products no longer work.

Your skin suddenly becomes reactive for no reason.

Previously, I ignored signs of a damaged skin barrier.

I thought my product was working. How wrong was I!

But now, I’m super careful with my skin and try to pay enough attention to it during my routines.

This way, I know when to stop using actives and switch to a repair-and-restore routine immediately.

What are the causes of a damaged skin barrier?

The most significant signs of a damaged skin barrier are sensitivity and irritation.

I have dry, dehydrated skin that is never sensitive or easily irritated.

I like to think that my skin can get away with anything because it is dry.

But over the past year, the more activities I added to my routine, the more sensitive it became.

So, I had to be really careful with my skin.

So, what other skincare practice can also cause your skin barrier to be damaged?

Surprisingly, both internal and external factors can contribute to a damaged skin barrier.

They include, but are not limited to;

• Pollution/ Low Air Quality
• Weather
• Quality of water
• Stress
• Lack of Sleep
• Ageing etc.

These are factors beyond our control.

But what about the ones that are within our control?

What are some things that we do that would cause our skin barrier to be damaged?

Over-exfoliating

With AHAs & BHAs now readily available, it’s easy to get carried away and over-exfoliate.

I know I’m guilty.

When my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Power Liquid starts to sting, I know my barrier is probably compromised.

I also try to avoid using too many products with exfoliants.

Instead, I try to balance it.

So, for every exfoliating cleanser I use, I have a hydrating counterpart.

It applies to toners as well.

I try to avoid using too many exfoliants all at once.

At all times, I have only one AHA and one BHA.

Layering active products

Layering your activities is not inherently bad, but you need to be careful.

It’s so easy to get carried away, especially if your skin doesn’t react the first couple of times.

Instead, try to space out your actives.

This is why I created the Skincare Routine Planner.

It will help you split your actives between your AM & PM routines to avoid layering and prevent irritation.

If your skin is not experienced with actives, it is best to avoid layering and use them one at a time.

Sun exposure

It is 2020, and you have no excuse not to wear sunscreen.

No excuse whatsoever! Sunscreens are cheap and readily available.

Not wearing sunscreen is a common cause of a damaged skin barrier, whether you use actives or not.

Even if you use actives, not protecting your skin will make it even more sensitive and less able to repair itself.

It’s like pouring water into an empty basket.

If you are struggling to find affordable sunscreens with no white cast, check out the 10 Best Korean Sunscreens on Amazon.

Hot Water, Harsh & Fragranced Products

If your skin is generally sensitive, you need to be super careful with it.

Even minor triggers can easily cause your skin to become reactive.

If your skin is not sensitive, you should also be careful to avoid sensitising it.

Practices such as using hot water and harsh or overly fragranced products can easily irritate your skin and damage your skin barrier.

You want to be extra careful and avoid being careless.

Here are six products you can use to repair a damaged skin barrier.

If you know your skin barrier is easily damaged, look for barrier-repairing products.

Certain products are formulated exclusively to restore your damaged skin barrier.

You need to have one or two of them in your routine on standby, so when your skin starts acting up, you can easily switch up your routine.

Look for ingredients such as ceramides, Fatty Acids, and Cholesterol.

Cerave Healing Ointment

This is a personal favourite of mine, so much so that I bought a whole jar.

During my routine, when I notice irritation, I apply a thin occlusive layer at the end, and it instantly calms my skin.

While it might be formulated with 46.5% Petrolatum, it doesn’t stop its effectiveness.

It also contains barrier-preparing ingredients such as ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid.

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

This is my current moisturiser for this winter, which I’m loving.

It’s such a rich, thick moisturiser that instantly moisturises my skin.

It has a non-greasy formula suitable for all skin types.

Formulated with the world’s first Ceramide encapsulation technology, it encapsulates ceramides that form the skin barrier, helping to deliver and absorb valuable ingredients deep into the skin. – Source

Cerave Moisturising Cream

Our beloved Cerave Moisturising Cream is also excellent for repairing a damaged skin barrier.

As you are probably aware, it contains three essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, which help repair your skin’s natural barrier.

Make sure you choose the cream, not the lotion, to achieve great results.

The Ordinary Rosehip Oil

While many people are indifferent to facial oils, I can’t do without them in my routine.

Whenever I do my repair routine, I always love to finish off with a nice oil.

Most of the time, I use whatever I have on hand.

It could be The Ordinary Plant-Derived Squalane, Rosehip Oil, or CBD Hemp Oil UK.

Rovectin Skin Essentials Barrier Repair Cream

This is also a moisturiser that I am currently using.

Although I’ve had to swap it out for a thicker moisturiser for the cold weather.

It is formulated with Niacinamide, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, Squalane, and plant extracts to help repair a damaged skin barrier.

It is also a non-greasy formula suitable for all skin types.

Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief

This is among the best-selling products of 2020.

Even though I haven’t used it and didn’t plan to, I’ve heard so many great things about this product that I’m tempted to try it.

It is formulated with barrier-repairing ingredients Niacinamide, Squalane, Ceramide, Sodium PCA, Urea, Oat and Safflower Oil.

Listen, if you want to get any product on this list, you should absolutely get this.

It’s a game-changer.

You don’t have to be tied to a moisturiser; you can use this as a serum.

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

This list will not be complete without a recommendation from Paula’s Choice.

This Omega+ Complex Serum is one of their bestsellers for a good reason.

It is formulated with Shea Butter, Ceramides, Cholesterol, and fatty acids such as Linoleic Acid and Chia Seed Oil.

Similar to Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief, this serum is also effective at nourishing your skin and repairing and strengthening your skin barrier.

What to do when your skin barrier is damaged.

When your skin barrier is damaged, you will definitely know. If you still don’t, you’re just not paying enough attention.

One of the most obvious signs is irritation.

Your skin becomes irritated and starts to sting for a few days.

Over time, if you don’t address it, your skin becomes sensitive and reactive.

You begin to break out. Your skin becomes inflamed and just out of control.

Here’s what you need to do when that happens:

• Stop all actives immediately. At this point, you need to simplify your routine as much as possible. Stick to the core routine: Cleanse, Moisturise, and SPF. Remove all exfoliants, Vitamin C, and Retinol.
• Create a barrier repair routine. This should be your nighttime routine, where you focus solely on barrier repair. Pick any of the serums and moisturisers above and stick to a simple Cleanse, Serum and Moisturise routine.
• Give your skin time to recover before slowly reintroducing actives back to your routine. This way, you can identify the exact product causing irritation and sensitivity. The recovery period can range from one week to one month, depending on the severity of the situation. I’ve definitely gone one month without actives before. So, listen to your skin and pay close attention.

In Conclusion,

Your skin barrier is critical, so you need to pay attention to it.

Any little irritation matters; don’t take it for granted, as it can lead to hyperpigmentation.

If you notice damage, focus your routine on barrier repair.