Skin Repair

REPAIRING YOUR SKIN BARRIER

Think of your skin barrier as a shield for your skin. It keeps moisture in and irritants out, so when it’s compromised, it puts your healthy glow at risk.

WHAT IS YOUR SKIN BARRIER AND HOW TO TELL IF IT’S DAMAGED

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of our skin, known as the skin barrier. When healthy and strong, the skin barrier serves three vital roles: it protects deeper layers of the skin from external stressors such as UV radiation and pollution, it keeps your body and skin hydrated by locking water in, and it delivers essential nutrients to sustain the skin.

The skin barrier is also responsible for how healthy your skin looks, so if your complexion is even and smooth, it’s doing its job.

As we age, the skin barrier gradually weakens. Without a strong barrier for protection, the glow starts to fade, skin becomes more sensitive and it gets harder to keep it hydrated. But age isn’t the only threat to the skin’s greatest shield.

If you are guilty of over-washing your face, over-exfoliating, or using too many active ingredients at once, chances are you have already noticed the discomfort it causes. Stripping the skin of its natural barrier causes moisture loss and irritation. The face may feel tight and dry, flaky, red, and rough.

KEY INGREDIENTS TO BOOST THE SKIN BARRIER

Much of the skin barrier is made up of naturally occurring ceramides – fat molecules known as lipids. Ceramides maintain the skin barrier, rather like mortar between bricks, if bricks are skin cells. Skincare products containing ceramides will strengthen the skin barrier and boost hydration levels for plumper, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

To encourage the skin’s own production of ceramides, use Vitamin B3. This powerhouse ingredient prevents water loss, builds skin resilience and improves skin texture.

Incorporating hyaluronic acid (HA) in your skincare routine will also help keep skin hydrated while the skin barrier is compromised. Each molecule can hold about 1,000 times its weight in water, and HA’s superpower is drawing in water (from your body and the surrounding environment) and binding it to the skin barrier.

Research has also shown that plant oils can help to repair the skin barrier, promote healing and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

HOW TO REPAIR YOUR SKIN BARRIER

There’s no quick fix to repairing your skin barrier. The first step is to take your skincare routine back to basics. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and some protective serums (Vitamin B3 and an antioxidant-fueled oil) are all you need. Keep skin out of direct sunlight to prevent inflammation through sunburn or damage, and resist scratching or itching irritated patches so that skin can heal.