Your skin barrier is the lipid matrix found in the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum-corneum, and essentially sits on top of this layer. When healthy, the skin barrier helps keep moisture in and external irritants out (e.g., UV, free radicals, bacteria) - acting as your skin’s bodyguard.
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier, or moisture barrier, is mainly composed of three lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, and free (AKA essential) fatty acids. These lipids work together to prevent water loss and to protect your skin from the environment. Damage to the skin barrier occurs in the form of miniscule cracks through which moisture can easily escape and irritants can enter more easily.
Signs your skin barrier is damaged:
When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin generally looks plump and smooth and feels soft to the touch. If you have oily skin that’s also dehydrated, that’s a common sign that you may have a damaged skin barrier. (Yes ... Your skin can be both oily and dehydrated.
Some other damaged skin barrier symptoms:
• Redness
• Irritation
• Rosacea
• Flakiness & Peeling
• Dehydration
• Tightness
• Sensitivity
• Itchiness
• Rough to the touch
• Stinging or burning sensation when products are applied
• Crepiness and fine lines
• Rashes like eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Increased breakouts
When you read over this list of these symptoms, you might notice that a whole range of skin issues can be traced back to a damaged skin barrier. That’s why caring for your skin barrier is so important.
The good news is that you can repair your skin barrier, no matter how much damage has been done. Of course, if the skin barrier has been damaged or compromised for a long time, it will also take a longer time to heal. There’s no hard-and-set rule for how long it will take to repair your skin barrier. Ideally, with consistent care, your skin barrier should restore itself within two to four weeks.
What can I do to repair my skin?
For effective skin barrier repair, you should take a multi-pronged approach. First, you need to protect your skin by reducing your skin’s exposure to external irritants. This means wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding using hot water in the shower, and cutting down on exfoliation. It also is advisable to cut back on (or eliminate) drinking alcohol and smoking.
Using gentle products is critical for your skin.
Here are some ingredients to avoid:
• Daily use of acidic ingredients like ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) While vitamin C is a power house for your skin - it is active so best to avoid it until the skin calms)
• Overly drying, harsh cleansing products
• Essential oils
• Harsh topical prescription acne medications (like benzoyl peroxide)
• Drying alcohols
What are the best skin barrier repair ingredients?
• Hyaluronic acid
• Peptides
• Ceramides
• High-quality SPF to protect against damaging UV rays
• Botanical oils high in EFAs (essential fatty acids) or omega fish oils.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is an anti-aging cream that contains the optimal and patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, which is proven to nourish skin and correct signs of ageing.
In an eight-week clinical study, it had proven results: 66% smoother skin; 35% improvement in laxity; 20% improvement in evenness; 26% improvement in radiance; and 44% improvement in pore appearance.
Your skin can repair itself quickly and effectively if you care for it properly. Be mindful when exfoliating your skin. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily. Two or three times is sufficient per week. If you choose a physical exfoliator - mix with your cleanser . Avoid physical exfoliation if you have sensitive, rosacea or reactive skin. There are lots of replenishing and resurfacing treatment serums that helps reinforce the skin's barrier for healthier, more radiant skin.
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator-Using patented technology, this unique serum is highly effective in promoting proper exfoliation while optimising the skin’s amino acid supply to reinforce the external barrier. Formulated in an efficient oil-free delivery system suitable for all skin types to replenish and exfoliate skin for noticeably soft, smooth skin texture. Ideal for all skin types.
SkinCeutical Retexturing Serum
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/products/skinceuticals-retexturing-activator%C2%AE-30ml
SkinCeuticals sunscreens are formulated to provide true broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection to the skin to help protect skin from the damaging UVA rays, proven accelerate the signs of premature skin ageing.
SkinCeuticals offers a variety of cosmetically elegant sunscreens for various skin types and lifestyles.
SkinCeutical Ultra 50
Dermaceutic Kceutic Recovery Cream is an excellent treatment for sensitive reactive skin prone to redness. Calms and soothes and protects a sensitive skin.
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/dermaceutic-skincare/products/dermaceutic-k-ceutic
Another option is Dermaceutic Panthenol Ceutic which is recommended for sensitive and/or very dry skin. Skin is soothed and highly nourished, suppleness and comfort are restored. Note - The texture is similar to a liquid Vaseline:
Panthenol Cream by Dermaceutic https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/dermaceutic-skincare/products/dermaceutic-panthenol-ceutic-skin-healing-treatment
Show your skin barrier a little TLC and you’ll be happy with how soon you notice an improvement.
