Is your skin feeling excessively dry even though you have an oily skin type? Is the dryness paired with discomfort and large pimples? If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you probably have a damaged skin barrier. The skin barrier can get damaged any time of year and it is usually caused by bad skincare habits. When you have a damaged skin barrier, regular acne products don’t seem to work, and your skin’s surface develops painful pimples and irritating dry patches. Thankfully, damaged skin barriers can be repaired too and we have the solutions. Read on to find out how exactly you can repair a damaged skin barrier and get your healthy skin back again.

What is Skin Barrier? 

The skin barrier is called the stratum corneum and it is the outermost part of the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin. The skin barrier is made up of skin cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids, all of which hold the skin cells on the surface.

Causes Of Damaged Skin Barrier 

Aggressive skincare products, complex skincare routines or lack of skincare can cause a damaged skin barrier. Overuse of skincare acids and wrong use of skincare products can also damage the skin barrier. Even not using sunscreen can make your skin barrier prone to damage. Alcohol-based toners, chemical face masks, and over-exfoliating skin will also lead to a damaged skin barrier.

How To Repair Skin Barrier? 

If your skin barrier is damaged it will most likely be experiencing breakouts and excessive dryness. Your skin could also feel itchy and uncomfortable. Luckily, repairing damaged skin barrier is possible with the following skincare measures.

Avoid Skincare Acids & Exfoliants

Stop using serums, scrubs, and chemical peels right away. Also, avoid using cleansers and toners containing AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Using all of these too often or incorrectly is probably the reason why your skin barrier is damaged. When your skin barrier is compromised, it’s time to cut back on complex skincare and allow it just be. AHAs and BHAs need to be used only twice or thrice a week and for the rest of the week, barrier repair products should be used. Using AHAs and BHAs every single day of the week can cause skin barrier dysfunction. If you must use a serum, you can stick to ones that contain niacinamide or natural moisturising ingredients. 

GLOW IRIDESCENT BRIGHTENING ESSENCE

Infused with rosehip oil, this skin essence brightens the skin and gives an iridescent shine. It also soothes skin and prevents dryness and wrinkles.

Use A Hydrating Cleanser

Strictly use a cleanser that is specifically formulated to hydrate the skin. Cleansers infused with rose extract, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid are your best bet to cleanse the skin when the skin barrier is damaged.

MYGLAMM YOUTHFULL HYDRATING FOAM CLEANSER WITH WATER BANK TECHNOLOGY

This is a hydrating cleanser that deep cleans the skin to remove impurities while maintaining the skin's moisture levels. It has a rich creamy foam that helps calm sensitivity and makes skin smooth. 

Only Use Ceramide Cream

Ceramides are the building blocks of your skin. Your skin barrier is already made up of ceramides alongside other components. Damaged skin barriers face a loss in ceramides, so using a ceramide moisturiser will help nurse your skin back to health. It will instantly soothe the skin and any breakouts and repair the skin barrier while at it.

POPXO SUN SOOTHER AFTER SUN LOTION 

This moisturiser is meant for skin barrier repair. It helps reverse the effects of sun damage and soothes any irritation and inflammation. This cream is lightweight and contains ceramides and vitamin E.

Follow Up With Sunscreen

Protecting your skin with sunscreen is of utmost importance so that your skin barrier doesn’t endure more damage. Opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even when indoors, is essential. Look for formulas that contain other skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E as well.

POPXO BEACH BUM MULTI-USE SUNSCREEN SPRAY SPF 50 PA+++

This is a spray-on sunscreen that allows you to apply and reapply sunscreen anytime, anywhere, with ease. This spray format of SPF is ideal as the product does not need to be massaged into the skin because massaging could cause more irritation.

Skin Barrier Repairing Ingredients 

Ceramides are the best skin barrier-repairing ingredients that you should put your faith in. Ceramide creams will help instantly soothe your skin and begin the healing process by building back the compromised skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid is also a good skin barrier repair ingredient although it is tricky to use if you’re in a location with dry air and no humidity. Hyaluronic acid usually draws moisture from the surroundings to keep your skin moisturised. If the air is dry and not humid, hyaluronic acid could be ineffective or have the opposite effect of healing your skin barrier. Niacinamide is a good option for damaged skin barriers and you can use a niacinamide serum to treat your skin, soothe inflammation and uncontrollable acne, and repair the skin barrier.

Now that you know all about the skin barrier and how your skin barrier can be damaged, it’s time to get your skincare habits in check. Follow a skin cycling routine to avoid damaging the skin barrier and follow this essential guide in case your skin barrier is compromised anytime, anywhere.