You may be hearing a lot about the skin barrier lately, but this isn't just another passing skincare trend. The skin barrier is a vital defence system that protects you from the outside world.
When this system deteriorates, the skin is more likely to show signs of weakness and certain skin conditions can be exacerbated.
The blanket statement of 'my skin is just sensitive' is often due to a poorly functioning skin barrier.
What Happens When it's Damaged?
When the skin barrier is damaged, the skin's natural defence system isn't able to function as it should. The outer layers of the skin become weaker and more permeable, lipids are disrupted (increased trans epidermal water loss), and immune cells (i.e. langerhan cells) don't work as effectively.
As a result, the skin may start to feel more reactive, easily irritated, and less resilient to products & treatments.
Sudden 'sensitivity' is often a sign that the skin barrier is compromised and needs to be repaired.
How to Repair It
Healthy skin is a balance of water & oil, and both are essential for a strong skin barrier. When repairing the skin barrier, the first step is to scale back your routine and stop all use of harsh actives and exfoliants. Next we need to nourish the skin with products that improve moisture retention and reduce trans epidermal water loss. Once the skin barrier strengthens, we can slowly reintroduce actives like vitamin A and chemical exfoliants.
An Optimal Routine to Repair Your Skin Barrier
1. Use a creamy, non-stripping cleanser like the DMS Cleansing Milk
2. Add in a Hydrating Toner like Suusmoon Lotion N
3. Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum like Environ's HA Intensive Hydrating Serum
4. Use a lipid rich moisturizer like DMS Base Cream High Classic
5. Use a non-comedogenic rich balm to seal everything in like Anfisa An-Balm Radiant Hydra-Balm
When the skin barrier is nourished and strengthened, you will start to notice your skin condition gradually improve. Your skin will feel more balanced & calm.
