You can imagine your skin barrier as a wall that protects your skin from external influences. If it is damaged, it can become very unpleasant. Here you will find out what function your skin barrier fulfils and how you can strengthen it in just a few steps.
What is the skin barrier and why is it so important?
The skin barrier, or protective barrier of the skin, is the outermost part of the skin layer. It repels water and maintains the skin's moisture balance. As a protective layer, it prevents external influences such as germs, pathogens and pollutants from penetrating the skin.
A damaged skin barrier leads to dry and irritated skin. The moisture balance may be out of balance, causing the skin to lose too much water. Irritants such as pollutants, allergens and bacteria can also penetrate the skin more easily.
Symptoms of an attacked or damaged skin barrier
Are you unsure whether your skin barrier is under attack or damaged? These signs may indicate that your skin barrier is suffering:
- Irritation, redness, irritation
- Feeling of tension or itching
- Dry to flaky or cracked skin
- Pale complexion
- Underground pimples
In many cases, a damaged skin barrier is confused with impure skin. Especially if you have small, underground pimples and redness, your barrier is damaged. In addition, acne is more likely to occur in certain areas, such as the T-zone or just on the cheeks, while you can see the signs of a damaged skin barrier over a larger area.
Causes of a damaged skin barrier
- Aggressive care or over-care: Products with high concentrations of active ingredients can attack your skin barrier, as can products with strong alcohol content and strong surfactants.
- Water that is too hot: Hot water removes a lot of moisture and oil from the skin and can also damage the barrier.
- Climate: Drastic changes in weather or a new climate can throw your skin and its barrier into imbalance.
- Diseases and medications: Certain skin diseases, such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis, but also certain medications can affect and damage the barrier.
- Age: With natural skin aging, the skin becomes thinner and loses fat, and the barrier can also be damaged more quickly.
- Lifestyle: Stress and a balanced diet can damage your skin and its protective barrier.
Strengthen the skin barrier: 5 helpful steps
Rebuilding and strengthening a damaged skin barrier takes some time and patience. The most important steps you should follow are here:
1) Avoid active ingredients
Eliminate any products from your skincare routine that contain effective active ingredients. These include:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Glycolic acid, lactic acid (AHA)
- Lactobic acid (PHA)
- Retinol/Retinal
You should also avoid the following ingredients if possible:
- Alcohol
- Perfume and fragrances
You should avoid these active ingredients in all products, from cleansers to creams.
2) Minimalist skincare routine
Reduce your skincare routine to a minimum: a gentle cleanser, a soothing toner and intensive moisturizing with a serum and a cream. Of course, a mild sunscreen is also a must during the day.
3) Strengthen the skin barrier: Suitable ingredients
The following ingredients are particularly good for strengthening your skin barrier:
- Ceramide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Panthenol
- Natural oils such as jojoba oil and argan oil
- Niacinamide
Discover more information and useful tips about Niacinamide in our blog post "Niacinamide Effect: This is what lies behind the popular skin care ingredient".
Strengthen the skin barrier: Our product recommendations
Discover our skin care recommendations for a compromised skin barrier here.
Geek & Gorgeous – Jelly Joker
6,93 €
with the code
-30% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
9,90 €
Acnemy – Zitcalm Cleansing Gel
6,93 €
with the code
-30% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
9,90 €
Nø Cosmetics – calm today Liquid Balancer
9,95 €
with the code
-100% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – Ceramide Repair Moisturizer
10,74 €
with the code
-40% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
17,90 €
Transparent Lab – Barrier Restoring Hydrating Cream
12,53 €
with the code
-30% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
17,90 €
Geek & Gorgeous – Happier Barrier by Geek & Gorgeous
7,63 €
with the code
-30% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
10,90 €
Bondi Sands – SPF 50+ Face Lotion Fragrance Free by Bondi Sands
7,45 €
with the code
-50% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
14,90 €
Ultra Violette – Clean Screen Fragrance Free Weightless Sensitive Skinscreen SPF30
20,45 €
with the code
-50% (Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
40,90 €
In our facial skin care category you will find other great care products for a well-coordinated routine.
4) Lukewarm water
Make sure to wash your face with lukewarm water to avoid further drying and irritating your skin.
5) Pay attention to your lifestyle
Sufficient sleep and a balanced diet are essential for your health, healthy skin and skin barrier.
Stress can also have a significant impact on your skin. Try to take care of yourself and give yourself enough rest and relaxation.
Strengthening the skin barrier: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to repair your skin barrier?
You should minimize your skin care routine for about three to four weeks and only use mild, barrier-strengthening products. Only after that, and when the symptoms have visibly improved, should you slowly introduce new products again.
However, when using new products, make sure to only add them to your routine one at a time and not to use highly concentrated active ingredients every day, but only once or twice a week to begin with.
How do you know that the skin barrier is broken?
Most of the time, your skin will look red and irritated. Underground pimples and flaky patches can also appear. You will often also feel that your skin's protective barrier is damaged - the skin feels tight and uncomfortable.
Where does a damaged skin barrier come from?
On the one hand, external factors such as the climate, water that is too hot or even your lifestyle can be the cause of a damaged skin barrier. On the other hand, you can also damage your skin barrier if you use products that are too intensive or have integrated too many active ingredients into your routine at once.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the topic of “strengthening the skin barrier” and that it was helpful. Please let us know if you have any further questions or comments!
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