Photo by Yara Amaral on Unsplash
The skin barrier is a crucial defence mechanism that safeguards our bodies from external threats. It is the outermost layer of our skin, known as the stratum corneum, which acts as a protective shield. The skin barrier serves multiple functions, including preventing the loss of moisture, regulating body temperature, and acting as a physical barrier against harmful substances, bacteria, and pollutants. When the skin barrier is damaged, these vital functions are compromised and a compromised skin barrier can lead to a range of issues such as increased water loss, dryness, redness, inflammation, and sensitivity. It also makes the skin more susceptible to infections, allergens, irritants, and environmental aggressors. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of things that you can do to repair your damaged skin barrier:
Avoid Harsh Cleansers
Harsh cleansers often contain strong detergents or surfactants that can strip away the skin’s natural oils. These oils help to lock in moisture and maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. When these oils are excessively removed, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and compromised barrier function.Instead, opt for mild, gentle cleansers that are free of sulphates, fragrances, and other potential irritants, such as Elemis Gentle Foaming Facial Wash. It’s a gentle wash that combines extracts such as fig, and apple amino acid, which helps produce the foamy texture and protects the skin’s moisture barrier.
Use A Gentle Exfoliator
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, but it’s important to choose a gentle exfoliator to avoid further damage. Look for products with mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or fruit enzymes rather than harsh physical scrubs. Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel is formulated with a blend of skin-smoothing acids and nourishing botanical oils, and the daily exfoliating treatment refines and revitalises the skin to improve the look of skin clarity and tone.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water strips away the natural oils present in your skin, leading to increased dryness. When your skin barrier is already compromised, it has difficulty retaining moisture, and hot water can worsen this problem by drying out your skin even more. Also, damaged skin is often more sensitive and reactive and hot water can trigger inflammation and irritation, causing redness, itching, and discomfort. Use lukewarm water for cleansing and bathing to prevent excessive drying and treat your face to Decleor Organic Harmonie Calm Soothing Comfort 2 in1 Cream and Mask, which combines powerful organic ingredients such as rose essential oil, sweet almond plant oils and centella asiatica extract to soothe, even the skin tone and stabilise your skin all day long.
Incorporate Barrier-Repairing Ingredients
Look for products that contain ingredients known to support the skin barrier’s repair and maintenance. These can include ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol (provitamin B5), and peptides. By reinforcing the skin barrier, these ingredients can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, while supporting the skin’s structural integrity, as well as promoting firmness, elasticity, and a smoother complexion. Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid 1% and Niacinamide Serum is a super-hydrating serum, infused with 1% hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates dry skin, soothes rough patches, and rids your skin of flaking and dryness.
Protect From The Sun
Sun protection becomes even more crucial when the skin barrier is damaged. When the skin barrier is compromised, its ability to shield the underlying layers from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is significantly weakened. UV radiation from the sun can penetrate the damaged skin more easily, leading to increased risks of sunburn, premature ageing, pigmentation disorders, and an elevated likelihood of developing skin cancers. Applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade are vital steps in safeguarding the skin from further damage.
Last updated on 18/05/2023.