Repairing and Protecting Your Moisture Barrier
One thing for healthy and happy skin is a healthy and happy moisture barrier. So, when your skin becomes sensitive, sore, dry or flaky, it can mean that your barrier is temporarily damaged – we say temporarily because you can nurse it back to health with time and gentle products in your routine. We get it, a damaged moisture barrier is no fun, but there are solutions.
Before diving into the treatments for repairing and protecting your moisture barrier, have you read our feature on the moisture barrier? It breaks down the moisture barrier, why it is so important, how it can become damaged and how to keep it balanced? A must-read if you haven’t already.
Now for repairing and protecting your barrier…
HOW TO REPAIR & PROTECT THE MOISTURE BARRIER?
Reversing the effects of a compromised moisture barrier is quite straightforward. Like many concerns, the first response is to up the ante on your skincare routine, but it is about stripping it back, simplifying your routine and allowing your skin to renew itself.
Gentle Cleansers
Look for gentle cleansers formulated with a balancing pH, and if you have extremely inflamed skin, we recommend you go for a non-foaming cleanser that doesn’t dry your skin out more.
Avoid Over-Exfoliation
Avoid over-exfoliating your skin. Instead, reducing the frequency of exfoliation will allow your skin barrier to repair itself. Perhaps every 7-10 days and use gentle exfoliators that contain enzymes as these are proven to be best for ultra-sensitive or compromised skin.
Try PHAs
If you have to exfoliate your skin, stay away from the stronger acids like AHAs and BHAs. Instead, introduce Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), which gently exfoliate the skin while hydrating it simultaneously.
Swap Out Some Ingredients
To avoid potentially irritating your barrier further, temporarily replace ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol with hydrating and replenishing ingredients. Introduce niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, centella asiatica and ceramides – this will help restore moisture and keep skin nourished.
HOW TO BALANCE AND PROTECT YOUR MOISTURE BARRIER
When it comes to your skin, everything is about balance. When wanting to protect your moisture barrier, it comes down to keeping it simple, not playing chemist and trialling every ingredient under the sun and incorporating barrier-repairing ingredients:
Some general tips;
- Cleansing with lukewarm water and avoiding using water either too hot or too cold as this contrast can send the barrier into a frenzy.
- Avoid using fragrance in your products. This can increase the skin’s sensitivity and restrict the essential oils and nutrients it may need.
- Find a frequency and concentration that works best on your skin regarding acids. Overly used, your complexion will become irritated and itchy.
Also,
- Replace harsh cleansers and soaps. Instead, use mild, non-soap cleaners to remove all impurities and excess build-up but still nourish the complexion. A great option is La Roche Posay Dermo-Cleanser.
This cleanser is ideal for when your skin is feeling sensitive or irritated. Especially for allergies, acne and sensitive skin, the milky light-weight texture soothes and cleanses the skin.
- Avoid physical exfoliants. The harsh scrubs may tear and disrupt the barrier. Instead, opt for a leave-on exfoliant. Instead give this a go - Exuviance Glow Gentle Exfoliating Pads
The exfoliating ingredients in these pads are made from PHAs, as the most gentle and sensitive type of exfoliation, this will help to remove dead skin and encourage renewal while avoiding irritation.
Introduce barrier-protecting ingredients like ceramides, glycerine and centella asiatica into your daily routine, such as COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
Super lightweight, hydrate and soothe skin at the same time. Made with centella asiatica to calm sensitivity and vitamin b5 to hydrate and act as an anti-inflammatory, your skin will feel balanced and restored.
- Keep the skin protected with sunscreen - minimum SPF30. Like Heliocare Ultra SPF90 Gel
We don’t need to tell you how important SPF is (everyday application, rain or shine!) but this gel is incredible, not leaving a white or grey caste on the skin and absorbing in seconds, you’ll forget that you applied it.
IF YOUR BARRIER IS DRY …
When your skin is dry, it means that your barrier is unable to retain the natural oils it needs for the skin to stay plump and healthy. When treating dry skin, it is important to focus on your moisture barrier by regularly moisturising, avoiding harsh and dry soaps, and increasing humectants in your routine to help cushion and restore the strength of your moisture barrier.
It also helps to look at diet when skin is particularly dry. Eating foods rich in good fats such as salmon, mackerel, avocado, and nuts are nutritious and help keep our skin well lubricated to avoid dryness. Supplements like Omega 3 are also worth considering, but you must consult a medical professional for further advice.
IF YOUR BARRIER IS DEHYDRATED …
Similarly, dehydration is when your skin’s barrier isn’t retaining enough water, which prevents the skin from regulating its moisture levels. As a result, your complexion may look dull and flat. Besides increasing your water consumption, incorporating hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramides and Lactic Acid into your routine will help restore hydration into the skin and preserve the skin’s barrier.
Some options:
The Ordinary a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate, moisturise and nourish the skin.
Paula’s Choice for high-performance niacinamide that’ll help strengthen your moisture barrier over time.
Biossane for a squalane-focused product range. Squalane is one important ingredient that not only soothes and prevents irritation but can also control excess oil, prevent dark marks and soften texture.
