Your skin barrier is a superhero for your skin. It’s the first line of defense against the outside world. It works to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. But without proper care, it can get worn down or damaged.
When your skin barrier starts to break down your skin can feel dry, irritated, and more prone to breakouts. Don’t worry, though! With proper care, you can ensure your skin barrier remains healthy and fully functional.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the skin barrier is, how it can get damaged, and most importantly, how you can heal and protect it.
What is the Skin Barrier?
The skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier, is the outermost layer of your skin. It’s made up of remarkably tough skin cells held together by lipids (fats). The skin barrier acts like a brick wall where the cells are the bricks, and the lipids are the mortar keeping everything together like a fortress.
This barrier keeps moisture inside your skin and prevents harmful stuff—like bacteria, pollution, and irritants—from getting in. When your skin barrier is strong, your skin looks healthy, plump, and smooth. But when it’s weakened or damaged, it can lead to all kinds of issues such as breakouts, uneven texture, and discolorations.
What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Many things can cause your skin barrier to get damaged.
Some of the most common culprits include:
Over-Exfoliation
Too much of a good thing can actually harm your skin’s barrier. Using too many harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants strips away the natural oils your skin needs, leaving it weak and vulnerable. Without the oils, it can quickly start to show signs of damage.
Harsh Skincare Products
Products that are too drying or contain irritating ingredients, like alcohol or sulfates, can weaken your skin’s barrier over time. They strip away oils, leaving your skin vulnerable to the elements and further damage.
Weather Conditions
Cold, dry air in the winter or too much sun exposure in the summer can zap moisture from your skin, leading to a compromised barrier. Not to mention, the sun’s damaging rays can take a toll on your skin’s health.
Hot Water
Yes, long, hot showers feel amazing but can they strip your skin of its natural oils, damaging your skin barrier. Try taking a cooler shower to help protect your skin and maintain its barrier.
Stress
When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture and repair itself. Try to learn ways to balance stress – your skin will thank you.
Lack of Sleep
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so if you’re not getting enough rest, your skin barrier might not be able to heal as it should. Ideally, you should receive at least eight hours of sleep per day to keep your skin looking its best.
Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged? It’s not always easy to tell but if you pay attention then your skin will send you signals.
Look out for these common signs of a damaged skin barrier:
- Dryness: If your skin feels tight and flaky, that’s a big red flag that your barrier isn’t keeping moisture locked in.
- Irritation: Redness, stinging, or burning when you apply products can be a sign your skin is more sensitive than usual.
- Breakouts: A weakened skin barrier can let bacteria in, leading to more acne and blemishes.
- Dullness: Healthy skin has a glow to it. If your skin looks dull or lifeless, it might be a sign your barrier is in trouble.
- Inflammation: If your skin looks puffy or swollen, your barrier may not be doing its job to keep irritants out.
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
So, what can you do if your skin barrier is damaged? The good news is that with the right care, you can restore the health of your skin barrier.
Here’s how:
Simplify Your Skincare Routine
When your skin barrier is damaged, less is more. Take a break from any harsh treatments, like retinoids or strong exfoliants, and stick to gentle, hydrating products. Focus on moisturizing and soothing ingredients, and avoid anything that could further irritate your skin.
Use Gentle Cleansers
Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for cleansers that are free of sulfates and have a low pH. Ideally, the cleanser’s pH balance should be closer to your skin’s natural pH level. A mild cleanser will clean your skin without compromising the barrier.
Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients
Your skin barrier loves hydration. In fact, moisture is your skin’s friend. Incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract moisture to your skin and help keep it there. These humectants are great for replenishing lost moisture and keeping your skin plump.
Lock in Moisture with Occlusives
After you hydrate, lock in that moisture with a rich, occlusive moisturizer. Occlusives like shea butter, petrolatum, and ceramides form a protective seal on your skin, helping to prevent water loss and restore your skin barrier. Look for a moisturizer that contains ceramides which are naturally found in your skin and are key to repairing a damaged barrier.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
When your skin barrier is compromised, it’s time to ditch any products with harsh or drying ingredients.
Avoid products that contain:
- Alcohol
- Sulfates
- Strong acids like AHAs and BHAs
While these ingredients can be helpful in a healthy routine, they can worsen damage when your skin is fragile.
Be Mindful of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is important, but overdoing it can really mess with your skin barrier. If your skin is already damaged, stop exfoliating until it heals. When you reintroduce it, choose only a gentle exfoliant and use it sparingly—maybe once a week. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
Soothe with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
If your skin is red and inflamed, look for products with calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal. These ingredients will help soothe irritation and promote healing so you can restore your skin’s barrier if it has sustained damage.
Protect with Sunscreen
The sun is one of the worst enemies of your skin barrier. Make sure you’re protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, even if you’re indoors. Look for sunscreens that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients to avoid further irritation.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Restoring your skin barrier won’t happen overnight. It takes time to restore what has been lost but with the right care, you should start to see improvements within a few days to a week. Full recovery of your skin barrier can take a few weeks, depending on how damaged your skin is and how well you care for it.
The key is to be patient and consistent. Stick to a gentle, nourishing routine and avoid anything that could further harm your skin. Once your barrier is healed, you can slowly reintroduce active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants, but always keep an eye on how your skin reacts.
How to Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier
Now that your skin barrier is on the mend, how do you keep it healthy for the long haul? Here are some tips to ensure your skin stays strong and resilient:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. When your body is well-hydrated, your skin is better equipped to maintain its moisture balance. The Mayo Clinic suggests that men drink about 3.7 liters of fluid per day and women 2.7 liters to stay hydrated.
Moisturize Regularly
Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry, it’s essential to moisturize every day. A good moisturizer helps maintain your skin barrier and prevent water loss.
Look for a moisturizer that is hydrating, non-comedogenic, and packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. The formula should lock in moisture without feeling greasy. Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol or added fragrances that can irritate your skin. Lastly, choose a product suited to your skin type—lightweight for oily skin and richer for dry skin.
Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry climate or use indoor heating, a humidifier can be a lifesaver. It adds moisture to the air, helping to prevent your skin from drying out and keeping your barrier intact.
Be Gentle
Handle your skin with care. Avoid rubbing your face with a towel—pat it dry instead. Use lukewarm water instead of hot, and avoid harsh scrubbing.
Limit Sun Exposure
Sun damage can weaken your skin barrier, so make sunscreen a daily habit. Wear protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using an SPF sunscreen of at least 30 which can block up to 97% of the UVB rays. Remember, no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays.
How the Changing Seasons Affect Your Skin Barrier
As the seasons change, so does the condition of your skin barrier. During colder winter months, the drop in humidity and harsh winds will rapidly strip your skin of its natural moisture. You will become dry and vulnerable. It might even show signs of flakiness, itching, and redness.
In contrast, the warm summer months bring higher humidity and increased sun exposure. While the humidity can help keep your skin hydrated, too much sun can damage the skin barrier.
To keep your skin barrier healthy year-round, adjust your skincare routine with the seasons.
In winter, use rich moisturizers and wear sunscreen if you go outside because the sun’s rays reflecting from snow can prove brutal. In summer, switch to lighter products, wear sunscreen daily, and stay hydrated to protect your barrier from sun damage and sweat-induced breakouts.
Final Thoughts
Your skin barrier is essential for keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. When it’s damaged, it can lead to a range of problems—from dryness and irritation to breakouts and redness. Simplifying your skincare routine, using gentle and hydrating products, and being mindful of what you put on your skin will restore and maintain your skin barrier. With only a minimal amount of care, you can keep your skin healthy for the long term.
Remember, a strong skin barrier means happier, healthier skin!
