Skin barrier seems to be a buzz word in the skincare world. Products boast that they will repair your skin barrier and dermatologists swear by such products, but, often times, no one says what all this really means. So, what is your skin barrier, and why is it so important to protect it?
As the name implies, your skin barrier is a layer which protects your skin. Skin barriers protect us from environmental aggressors, such as pollution, ultraviolet rays, and toxins, but also from water loss and dehydration. Everyone can suffer from a damaged skin barrier – skin barriers go beyond our typical understandings of skin-type. This explains why oily skin can be dehydrated and in need of moisture even though this seems counterintuitive.
Skin barriers can get damaged in a plethora of ways, such as from allergens, irritants, over-exfoliation/over-washing, and lack of sleep. Symptoms of a damaged skin barrier include skin tightness, skin dehydration, skin sensitivity, inflammation, acne, and dullness.
Some skin-barrier improvement practices are lifestyle changes, such as sleeping more and eating healthier. However, other ways to repair your skin barrier come from the products we use and the way we use them.
Ingredients to look for when you are shopping with your skin barrier in mind:
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Squalane
- Centella Asiatica
- High Quality SPF
Information from Evenprime and Glamour
These ingredients moisturize, heal, and replenish your skin barrier. To avoid irritating your skin, it is good to follow the rule “less is more” in skincare (to a certain extent, of course!). Look for products with shorter ingredient lists, keep your skin-routine simple, and don’t wash your face more than twice a day.
Products that I recommend:
- Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief, $28
Soothing and nourishing, this niacinamide and tamanu oil serum is perfect for those of us with sensitive skin. This serum does wonders for redness, inflammation, breakouts, dryness, and skin dullness. I’ve personally gone through two bottles, and I’m definitely going to buy a third.
2. Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $14.29
With hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this daily moisturizing lotion is a great option to nourish, restore, and maintain your skin barrier. This product is geared towards those with normal to dry skin, but if this is not you, don’t fret! Cerave has an abundance of products for all different kinds of skin-types, and all of them are packed with ceramides and other skin barrier-loving ingredients.
3. Skinfix Barrier Plus+ Triple Lipid Peptide Cream, $50
Packed with lipids, peptides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, this face moisturizer is incredibly nourishing and luxurious. Although its pricey, this product is truly wonderful when it comes to hydrating and plumping, and I have not yet found another moisturizer that I like more.
4. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $9.58
A much more affordable pick, this Aquaphor healing ointment is a staple for cracked and compromised skin. This skin protectant uses glycerin to moisturize and mend a damaged skin-barrier.
5. The Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment, $14.99
Another product with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this night treatment from The Inkey List is a great choice for re-hydrating and restoring damaged skin.
Feature Image from Editorialist