We’ve written before about the skin’s barrier, including what it is and why it’s so important to protect it, but today we’re taking a look at what to do if your skin’s barrier is already damaged. When your skin’s barrier is not functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing dry, scaly skin, itchiness, rough or discoloured patches, acne, sensitive or inflamed areas and bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections – none of which are very desirable! If you think your skin’s barrier may be damaged, there are things that you can do and products you can use which will help to repair the damage and protect your skin against future deterioration. Here are five of our favourites:
Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair
This moisturiser from Dermalogica is designed to not only repair a damaged skin barrier, but also to soothe the effects of the barrier being damaged in the first place. It contains vitamins C and E that help combat free radicals and stimulate collagen formation, while an enriched oat extract with natural antioxidants and fatty acids reduces irritation and reinforces the barrier lipid layer. It also contains evening primrose oil, a skin nutrient high in gamma linoleic acid (GLA) to reinforce the barrier lipid layer.
Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask
Another product which will both repair and soothe, this mask from Elemis contains lavender and other naturally soothing ingredients which help to reduce redness, calm irritation and decongest and heal blemished skin. The mask is non-setting and therefore doesn’t dry out the skin and can be used overnight as an intensive treatment for reactive skin.
SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair
SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair is a therapeutic skin repair cream relieves and soothes fragile compromised or sensitive skin. It can be used as often as needed, giving you ongoing relief for sensitised skin. The formula has been tested to the highest standard and is even suitable for using on post-procedure skin as it offers such high levels of barrier repair and protection.
Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Intensive Skin Treatment Oil
Oils are a fantastic ally for skin where the barrier has been compromised and this treatment oil contains a combination of some of the best. With a blend of high-altitude grown lavender to support stressed skin and vitality reviving rose oils along with vitamin E and rosehip seed oil to nourish and encourage natural skin renewal. The formula is vegan, nut-free and contains no SLS, allowing you to repair your skin’s barrier in the knowledge that there are no nasty ingredients in this naturally-derived treatment oil.
Decleor Cica Botanic Face Mask
As we mentioned above, masks are also fantastic for repairing the skin’s barrier and this one from Decleor contains a combination of natural ingredients to provide instant nourishment. The formula has a three-in-one action which repairs the skin’s barrier, hydrates the skin and soothes redness and irritation. It contains eucalyptus essential oil for healing, as well as centella asiatica extract, madecassoside, shea butter and sweet almond oil for their nourishing properties.
Last updated on 01/12/2022.