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Your skin barrier is the unsung hero of your skincare routine, working tirelessly to protect you from external threats like pollution, harsh chemicals and side effects of too much sun exposure. But when it’s compromised, your protective barrier weakens, leading to irritation, inflammation, moisture loss and dry skin.
In short, your skin’s health and glow suffer. But we have a great solution: natural ways to repair a damaged skin barrier. But first, what is your skin barrier and when might it need repairing?
Understanding the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is your frontline defence. It's a complex and dynamic structure that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. Composed of multiple layers of cells, lipids and natural moisturising factors, it works tirelessly to protect you from external stressors, retain moisture, and regulate your skin’s natural pH balance.
A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping your skin, the body’s largest organ, looking and feeling its best.
At the heart of the skin barrier is the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This layer is fortified with natural moisturisers which help retain moisture and support the skin’s barrier function.
Natural oils also play a significant role, shielding the skin from environmental stressors and maintaining its natural moisture balance. By understanding these components, you can easily appreciate the importance of a healthy skin barrier and why you need to keep it in top condition.
Signs and Causes of Skin Barrier Damage
A compromised skin barrier appears in various ways, including dryness, itchiness and sensitivity. You may notice redness, inflammation or irritation, or your skin may become more prone to conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. In severe cases, a damaged skin barrier can lead to painful cracks and tears, putting you at risk of infection.
Several factors can contribute to skin barrier damage. Harsh cleansers are a common culprit, stripping the skin of its natural oils and leading to dryness and irritation. Over-exfoliation is detrimental, damaging the skin’s natural barrier and causing skin sensitivity and inflammation.
Sun exposure is another significant risk factor, as UV rays can deplete moisture, cause inflammation and itchy skin, as well as putting you at risk of skin cancer. Be mindful of these causes and take proactive steps to protect and repair your skin barrier.
If you're affected by any of the above symptoms and believe your skin barrier is damaged, follow these 7 tips to get your skin back to its radiant healthy self.
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser to Avoid Further Damage
The foundation of any good skin care routine begins with cleansing, but not all cleansers are created equal. Harsh cleansers strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin’s barrier function and leaving it vulnerable.
Opt for facial cleansers that remove impurities without stripping away moisture from beneath the skin’s surface. Look for products with a balanced pH to avoid irritation and over-drying.
Tip: Cleanse your skin using lukewarm water, as hot water can worsen the problem by damaging the outermost layer of your skin.
2. Nourish Your Skin with Natural Oils
Natural oils, rich in essential fatty acids, are crucial for restoring the skin’s moisture barrier. They help to replenish lipids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier function. Oils such as jojoba, avocado and mānuka not only nourish your skin but also protect it from environmental aggressors like too much sun exposure or pollution.
Omega-3 and omega-6 are vital for keeping the stratum corneum (the top layer of the epidermis) intact. These can be found in products with natural oils or added to your diet for an inside-out approach to skin health.
3. Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid for Proper Hydration
When your skin barrier is compromised, it struggles to retain moisture, leading to transepidermal water loss and an overly dry, flaky texture. This is where hyaluronic acid becomes a skincare superstar. Known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it boosts your skin’s hydration levels, giving your barrier the support it needs to heal and keep your skin healthy.
Adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine can significantly improve your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent further damage. Pair it with a good moisturiser to lock in all that hydration.
4. Avoid Over-Exfoliating to Protect the Outer Layer
Exfoliation can be a great way to remove dead keratinocytes and reveal fresh skin cells, but over-exfoliating can lead to a damaged barrier. It strips away too much of your skin’s protective oils, causing irritation and even inflammation.
To maintain healthy skin, stick to exfoliating no more than once or twice a week and choose gentle options like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can help unclog pores and improve skin tone without being too harsh.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a similar group of gentle skin acids. Lactic acid is an exfoliating AHA found in many natural skincare products, including our Rejuvenating Manuka Oil Exfoliant.
Your skin will thank you for not tearing away its protective shield.
5. Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure
Too much sun exposure is one of the main environmental factors behind skin barrier damage. The UV rays not only accelerate moisture loss but also cause inflammation and degradation of the skin cells in the top layer, so sun protection is a must. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin’s barrier and overall health.
If you’ve already experienced some damage from sun exposure, focus on healing the skin with an antioxidant-rich serum with active ingredients like vitamin C that neutralise free radicals.
6. Opt for Skincare Products with Natural Moisturising Factors
Your skin naturally produces compounds known as natural moisturising factors (NMFs). These molecules, including amino acids, sugars and lactic acid, help maintain hydration and skin elasticity. Using products formulated with NMFs can help restore your skin’s protective barrier and keep the skin’s barrier function strong.
Choose skincare products that are free from harsh chemicals and full of natural ingredients to boost your skin’s resilience. Products rich in antioxidants can also help repair the damage caused by external factors.
7. Maintain Proper Hydration and Moisturise Regularly
Hydration is key to healing a damaged skin barrier. Ensure you’re drinking enough water to keep your skin cells healthy from the inside out. On the outside, moisturise regularly with a product that suits your skin type.
For sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free, soothing formulas packed with essential oils like mānuka oil, which help heal and keep the skin barrier healthy. Be careful with heavy moisturisers if you have acne-prone skin, as these can make breakouts worse.
To lock in moisture, apply your moisturiser when your skin is still damp after cleansing or applying a hydrating serum. This helps reduce trans epidermal water loss and keeps your skin looking plump and healthy.
Repairing a damaged skin barrier takes time and patience, but with the right routine, your skin will begin to heal, leaving you with a healthy skin barrier that functions as it should. Always remember to listen to your skin, avoid harsh cleansers and nourish it with natural oils and moisturising ingredients. By following these steps, you can restore your skin’s natural glow and keep it protected against external factors.
Nourishing the Skin Barrier Naturally
Nature is your skin’s best friend when it comes to maintaining a healthy barrier. The right natural products protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Use these steps so you can nourish your skin and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. To get started on restoring your skin's barrier naturally, check out our best-selling restorative skincare set.
