What is The Skin Barrier and The Best Products To Protect it
You may be wondering what your skin barrier is. Put simply, your skin barrier makes up the outermost layer of the skin acting as a seal to protect your skin from the outside world. A healthy skin barrier means soft, supple and plump skin, something we all want right?
But what happens when your skin barrier is damaged? The skin becomes more prone to water-loss meaning that it is no longer able to hold on to that much-needed hydration that keeps our skin looking youthful. A damaged skin barrier also makes it much tougher for your skin to repair the signs of ageing and post-breakout marks.
How does the skin barrier become damaged?
The skin barrier can be weakened by several factors, including too much sun exposure and the use of harsh cleansers and scrubs which can leave the skin feeling very tight: a sign the skin has been stripped of its natural oils. Overusing active ingredients like exfoliants, retinoids and anti-acne treatments can also weaken the skin’s barrier over time.
What can I do to protect my skin barrier?
Damaged skin barrier? You’ve come to the right place! The easiest way to protect (and heal!) your skin’s barrier is to go back to basics. Remove the actives and start with a basic routine made up of a gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturiser and sun protection. To keep your skin barrier well protected, look for nourishing ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and plant oils to soothe, smooth and repair the skin’s barrier.
The Best Products to Protect Your Skin Barrier:
Typology Dryness & Blemish Serum
This comforting serum is truly an underrated gem when it comes to supporting the skin’s barrier. Loaded with 1% ceramide concentrate and infused with lavender extract, this vegan serum will soothe, repair and regenerate the skin back from the brink of sensitivity.
Best for All Skin Types
Say hello to hydration with this ultra-lightweight formula that will leave thirsty skin feeling softer and hydrated after its first use. This hybrid gel cream is enriched with a unique blend of barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol to support the barrier and keep you hydrated no matter the weather!
Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Glow Recipe Avocado Recovery Serum
This powerhouse serum does it all: reduces redness, soothes irritation and quenches dehydration, all thanks to its cocktail of plant-based ingredients. Nourishing avocado butter is paired with ceramides, rice milk and jojoba oil to strengthen and restore even the most compromised of skin.
Best for All Skin Types
This dreamy, nourishing cream packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and plant oils, provides immediate moisturisation for dry and dull skin, all while strengthening the skin’s barrier. No wonder it’s TikTok’s favourite moisturiser!
Best for Normal to Dry Skin
This buttery, cushiony cream soothes and hydrates the driest of skin types by locking in moisture for up to 24 hours. This non-comedogenic formula is the perfect option to restore sensitive skin back to its former glory without the risk of clogging your pores.
Best for Very Dry Skin