7 Dermatologist-Approved Tips to Repair Your Skincare Barrier
No matter how intricate (or not) your skincare routine is, taking care of your skin barrier should be a key component. The outermost layers of your skin help it hold on to vital substances including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—all which keep your skin feeling supple and soft. Without them, your skin is more prone to external aggressors, making it harder to repair old breakouts and signs of aging. “The skin’s barrier serves as the first line of defense, protecting and preserving the skin’s integrity,” dermatologist Cristina Soare, MD, tells IPSY. “As the body’s largest organ, the skin plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being, far beyond just aesthetics.”
Avoiding skin barrier damage doesn’t just come down to a flawless skincare regime, though. There are plenty of factors that can trigger your skin’s protective barrier. Air pollution, too much sun exposure, and stress can all damage your outer layer, as can over-washing or over-exfoliating your skin. Chemical irritants, such as certain active skincare ingredients like AHAs and retinoids, can do more harm than good if not applied properly.
Skin barrier aggressors are everywhere, which is why we’ve rounded up expert advice on how to know if your skin barrier is damaged (and how to repair it). Below, see all of our dermatologist-approved tips for healthy, glowing skin.
Meet the Expert
Cristina Soare, MD, is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist.
How to Know If Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged
If your skin feels dry or tight, chances are you might be experiencing an impaired skin barrier. Other signs to look for include acne, rosacea, and eczema—basically, any sensitive area of skin that feels inflamed or irritated. Skin may appear more red or darker than normal, and itchiness is another common symptom.
“When the skin barrier is compromised, the effects become noticeable through various symptoms, including increased sensitivity, flaky skin, and delayed healing,” says Dr. Soare. Make sure to monitor changes in your skin texture, since rough patches and bumps are also signs of a damaged skin barrier. Those with sensitive skin or more mature skin should take extra care, as they’re more likely to experience an impaired skin barrier.
7 Tips to Repair Your Skin Barrier
1. Simplify Your Skincare
A complex skincare routine could be doing you more harm than good, so it’s best to strip back on products, at least while figuring out what’s irritating your skin. Think: a basic cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF—that’s it. “Avoid harsh active ingredients and focus on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Soare says. “Choose non-foaming, fragrance-free cleansers and wash with lukewarm water to avoid further damage.”
2. Keep It Gentle
While you’re simplifying your skincare routine, make sure to cut out any physical exfoliants, like rough face cloths or scrubs. And while we understand wanting to be thorough, be gentle when cleaning your face, and use lukewarm water to soothe your skin. “Pause exfoliation to allow the skin to heal, then reintroduce it slowly in lower concentrations,” says Dr. Soare. Take note of how your skin responds to treatments.
3. Invest in Nourishing Products
You can comfort an irritated skin barrier with the right ingredients. Look for ceramide-rich moisturizers and incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine to soothe and hydrate the skin. Dr. Soare also recommends using products with calming ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and aloe vera to support healing.
4. Listen to Your Skin
Regardless of the current state of your skin, listen to what it’s telling you. Try to avoid anything that’s triggered irritation in the past, and always keep tabs on how your skin feels after incorporating something new into your routine. Skincare is all about moderation and balance, so be patient when trying new products and give your skin time to adjust. “Always test new products on a small area of skin before applying them more broadly,” adds Dr. Soare.
5. Stay Hydrated
“Drink plenty of water and consider using a humidifier to support skin hydration from within,” says Dr. Soare. As much as ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid moisturize your skin, staying hydrated is just as (if not more) important. Consider keeping a water bottle handy, or take a steamy shower to create a humid environment.
6. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
Ultimately, your skin health comes down to your general health. Leading a balanced lifestyle is key to healing your skin barrier and preventing future problems. To see a difference in your skin’s resilience, make sure to prioritize sleep, since that’s when your skin’s natural repairing and rebuilding processes peak. Plus, you can incorporate rich, fatty foods (like nuts, fruit, and fish) into your diet or look into taking a high-quality omega oil supplement—both will help keep your skin barrier happy and healthy. Smoking and stress are two big factors that contribute to a damaged skin barrier, so try to avoid either when possible.
7. Be Patient
All good things come to those who wait, and that applies to your skin too. “Skin barrier repair takes time, often requiring several days, to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the damage,” says Dr. Soare. “Consistency and patience are key to restoring and strengthening your skin’s natural defense system over time.” Glowing, healthy skin doesn’t just appear overnight (as much as we keep hoping it will), so don’t worry if results take time.
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