Taking care of your skin can reward you with a bright radiance and unapologetic confidence. We apply a wide range of skincare products for a multitude of purposes, like exfoliation and moisturisation. Every product you use interacts with the outermost layers called the skin barrier. Check out this article to explore more details about the skin barrier and the ways to repair it.

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What is the skin barrier?

The human skin is layered, and every layer has its designated role. The skin barrier is a protective layer sitting right on the top. It is also the moisture layer with multiple strong skin cells. The skin barrier can safeguard the whole body against UV rays, germs, environmental toxins, and other pathogens that can trigger damage.

Additionally, the skin barrier helps retain ceramides, natural oils, and water inside the body. These ingredients are responsible for providing moisture and hydration to the body. Therefore, the skin barrier can help your skin glow and also enable your body to function smoothly.

Causes of Skin Damage

Now that you know “what is skin barrier,” understand some reasons that can cause damage to it:

• Over exfoliation
• Experimenting too much with DIY skincare techniques
• Using skincare products with harsh ingredients
• Exposure to allergens
• Cleansing your skin too much
• Using too many physical exfoliants
• Environmental factors like UV rays and pollution

How to repair the skin barrier

Individuals trying to figure out how to repair skin barrier should focus on the following:

• Don’t be too harsh on your skin: You have to stop experimenting on your skin if all you feel is irritation. Calming your skin can be as easy as washing with plain water or spraying some rose water. But don’t expect it to reveal immediate outcomes because a damaged skin barrier requires at least a few days, if not weeks, to heal.
• Avoid a complicated skincare routine: Caring for your skin does not need a complicated routine. Don’t go for products with harsh ingredients or fragrances. It will only cause more irritation and dryness on your skin barrier.
• Seek medical advice: If your skin issues don’t seem to heal with proper care, you might have to seek medical advice. Don’t refrain from visiting a certified dermatologist if your skin troubles seem to keep escalating.

How to know if your skin barrier is damaged

If you are wondering how to know if your skin barrier is damaged, some prominent signs are as follows:

• Patches of flaky skin
• Rough patches with itchiness
• Small bumps or chronic irritation
• Discolouration
• Dehydrated skin
• Inflammation

Also Read: How to Take Care of Damaged Skin Barriers

Skincare routine for repairing skin

Everyone trying to determine how to repair damaged skin barrier needs to follow this skincare regimen:

• Choose the right cleanser: Picking the right cleanser to eliminate impurities from the top layer of your skin is essential. But apart from removing dust, grease, dead skin cells, and makeup, the best cleanser will also be gentle on your skin. You can use the Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash to deeply cleanse your skin and prevent acne.
• Focus on gentle exfoliation: Too much exfoliation is negative for your skin. But a gentle exfoliant will help remove dead skin cells and expose the smooth skin underneath. The Overnight Exfoliating AHA BHA Radiance Mask is perfect for balancing out your skin tone and improving your radiance.
• Use a moisturiser: A damaged skin barrier seeks the touch of a moisturiser. The Acne Care & Healing Gel Moisturiser with Tea Tree & Cica is ideal for nourishing your skin barrier. Apart from providing hydration, this moisturiser will regulate sebum production and soothe acne.
• Wear sunscreen: Sun exposure is the worst enemy of your skin barrier. Wearing sunscreen becomes your responsibility to protect your skin barrier from the damaging effects of the sun. The Mineral Matte Tinted Sunscreen can provide you with the required amount of sun protection without leaving a white cast.

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Conclusion

The skin barrier will defend your whole body against infections, germs, and other environmental stimuli. A damaged skin barrier is the reason behind a wide range of issues like dryness, inflammation, and itching. Therefore, picking the right skincare regimen is essential for repairing your skin barrier and letting it perform its function of protecting your body.

FAQs:

Can taking hot showers help improve my skin barrier?

Contrary to a popular notion, hot showers are not beneficial for your skin. Taking long hot showers will cause damage to the upper layer of your skin. It will strip off the natural moisture of your skin and contribute to dryness.

Will exfoliation cause damage to the skin barrier?

Harsh exfoliants can cause damage to the skin barrier. But using a gentle exfoliant two times a week will help your skin. It won’t cause irritation and only helps eliminate the layers of dead skin cells from your face.

Can smoking cause damage to the skin barrier?

Smoking will hamper the elastin and collagen of your skin, and it triggers premature ageing. Moreover, smoking increases irritation and dryness by reducing blood flow. Therefore, avoiding smoking will improve the health of your skin as well as your general health.