Balance and patience are key factors in a healthy skin barrier.
If your skin feels dry, irritated, or extremely sensitive, your skin barrier may be compromised. But don't worry! With a little care, you can restore a healthy appearance with a little barrier repair. Here's how to help damaged skin regain its former glow.
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier, also known as the epidermis, has to take a beating. As the outermost layer of your skin, it's exposed to everything from gusty winds to scorching sun. Stress, excessive drinking, smoking, lack of sleep, or a variety of illnesses can also cause skin problems.
But your own skin-care routine can also damage your skin barrier. It's me, hello. I'm the problem, and the problem is me. Overusing too many products with different active ingredients can damage your skin barrier. If you're too eager to exfoliate or apply products with retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids to your skin, you need to pump the brakes.
Here are some tips for rebuilding your skin barrier!
1. Skip the Skincare Cocktail
Some active ingredients in skincare help exfoliate, while others improve hydration. However, using too many active ingredients at once can do more harm than good. Take a close look at the active ingredients in your skincare and avoid any products that contain retinoids (usually in the form of retinol) or AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). Think of this as an elimination diet for your skin.
2. Avoid chemical peels
Another way to avoid skin irritation right away is to cut back on exfoliation. First, avoid harsh chemical peels. Retinol, for example, can help prevent clogged pores and boost collagen production, but it can also be overkill if used too frequently or combined with AHAs. Also, avoid exfoliating cleansers with glycolic or salicylic acid.
3. Stop scrubbing hard
While you’re relaxing with chemical peels, it’s a good idea to ease into physical peels. Instead of treating your skin like an old piece of wood furniture that needs to be polished with a pressure washer, treat it like a newborn baby. Cleanse your skin with warm water, not hot water, and use a soft washcloth instead of a rough brush.
4. Join the hydration nation
Moisture is your skin’s best friend, so hydrate it from the inside out. When it comes to moisture, you want to lock it in and lock it in. Fill up your water bottle, place it on your desk, and drink from it throughout the day!
When your skin’s natural oils are balanced, they are your skin barrier’s best friend. Many popular cleansing products, such as: Some chemicals (like drying sulfates) can strip your skin of too much of its natural oils, causing dryness and compromising your skin barrier. Instead, try a gentle cleanser with glycerin or moisturising ingredients naturally found in your skin (like hyaluronic acid or ceramides). Complement this with a very gentle water-based moisturiser.
5. Your skin reflects your lifestyle
You are what you eat. Also what you smoke. What you worry about?
In other words, strive to have balance in your life when it comes to diet, stress levels and habits. If you eat a balanced diet, have a mental health plan and exercise regularly, your skin barrier will thrive.
6. Avoid UV rays
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, but it can also damage your skin barrier. As you find your new, gentler skincare routine, support your skin barrier with a simple and gentle sunscreen product every day. While you’re at it, feel free to throw on a stylish hat for extra UV protection.
7. Relieve Inflammation
Inflammation can lead to many issues, including a compromised skin barrier. Some skin care products contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as oats, squalane, niacinamide, or tiger grass. Adding anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oil to your diet may help.
What's the fastest way to repair your skin barrier?
When it comes to repairing and restoring your skin barrier, don't expect it to happen overnight. Consistency and patience are your two greatest allies in building lasting skin resistance. Some experts estimate that it takes at least a month for a damaged skin barrier to heal. If the damage is more extensive, it may take up to three months for your skin to show lasting improvements.
It's worth noting that, as with any natural healing process, your skin may look worse before it feels better. Try not to panic. Give your new skin care routine some time to work. Switching products too frequently can start the vicious cycle of skin barrier damage again.
How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged?
You can usually identify skin barrier damage by the following symptoms:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
If your skin feels particularly dry, gray, or flaky, your skin barrier may be damaged. Increased sensitivity, stinging, or burning sensations when using a product are also signs that your skin is asking for help. Minor pain may be normal when getting used to a new product, but if pain persists, stop using the product.
Bottom line: To promote healthy skin, avoid products containing retinoids and AHAs, reduce chemical and physical exfoliants, let your body be a hydration station, and find a lifestyle that promotes mental and physical health. Protect your skin from UV rays, reduce inflammation, and use gentle skin care products that help balance your natural skin oils.
As you begin your new skin care journey, remember to be patient and persevere, because your natural glow will gradually return!
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