All you need to know about your skin barrier & how to look after it

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin, which acts as a protective shield against environmental stressors and pathogens. It is composed of a complex network of lipids, proteins, and skin cells that work together to maintain skin hydration and protect it from harmful external factors.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of the skin barrier, what impacts it, the signs of a damaged skin barrier, and how to protect it.

Why is the skin barrier important?

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. It helps to keep the skin hydrated by preventing water loss, and it protects the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the skin barrier plays a critical role in preventing infection by keeping harmful bacteria and viruses out.

What impacts the skin barrier?

There are several factors that can impact the skin barrier, including:

Harsh skincare products

Using products that contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that disrupt the skin's natural pH balance can damage the skin barrier.

Environmental stressors

Exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can weaken the skin barrier.

Age

As we age, the skin barrier becomes thinner and less effective at protecting the skin.

Genetics

Some people may be genetically predisposed to having a weaker skin barrier.

Signs of a damaged skin barrier

If your skin barrier is damaged, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Dryness and flakiness

When the skin barrier is damaged, it can't retain moisture effectively, leading to dry, flaky skin.

Redness and inflammation

A damaged skin barrier can make the skin more susceptible to irritation, leading to redness and inflammation.

Sensitivity

A weakened skin barrier can cause the skin to become more sensitive to external irritants.

Breakouts

When the skin barrier is damaged, it can allow bacteria and other harmful substances to penetrate the skin, leading to breakouts.

Healthy skin barrier vs. unhealthy skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier is characterised by skin that is well-hydrated, plump, and radiant. A healthy skin barrier is also better able to protect the skin from external stressors, leading to fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone.

An unhealthy skin barrier, on the other hand, is characterised by dryness, flakiness, redness, inflammation, and sensitivity. An unhealthy skin barrier is also more susceptible to breakouts and can lead to uneven skin tone and texture.

How to protect your skin barrier

To protect your skin barrier, it's important to take a gentle and consistent approach to skincare. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy skin barrier:

Use gentle, pH-balanced skincare products

Choose skincare products that are gentle on the skin and formulated with a pH that is similar to the skin's natural pH.

Avoid over-cleansing

Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can damage the skin barrier. Instead, aim to cleanse your skin once or twice a day using a gentle cleanser.

Moisturise regularly

Regular moisturising can help to keep the skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier. Choose a moisturiser that is suited to your skin type and apply it daily.

Protect your skin from the sun

UV radiation can damage the skin barrier, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.

 

Products we recommend to repair a damaged barrier

Revitalising Cleanser

Our gentle, milky cleanser is the perfect cleanser for damaged skin barriers. This soothing cleanser can be used on the most sensitive of skin types and is formulated with skin calming ingredients such as Chamomile which has anti-inflammatory properties to calm, soothe and reduce redness.

Revitalising Toner

Spritz the Revitalising Toner over freshly cleansed skin to brighten and soothe redness and inflamed skin. Infused with skin brightening Vitamin C, soothing Cucumber and Sodium PCA to increase moisture retention in the skin. Our Revitalising Toner is the perfect pick me up AM, PM and throughout the day to soothe and help repair damaged skin barriers.

Multi-Peptide Ceramide Complex

Formulated with barrier-supporting Ceramides, skin-replenishing Peptides and deeply hydrating actives to help comfort dry, sensitive and reactive skin while supporting skin barrier repair.

Begin with the Multi-Peptide Ceramide Complex Sheet Mask to intensely hydrate, soothe visible redness and reduce feelings of dryness, tightness and skin discomfort. Follow with the accompanying serum daily for 7 days and beyond to continue supporting hydration levels, calming sensitivity and reinforcing the skin barrier over time.

Revitalising Day Moisturiser

Our Revitalising Day Moisturiser works on three levels, to thoroughly hydrate and nourish skin, soothe irritation, repair the skin barrier, and provide that all-important sun protection. It contains encapsulated SPF30 which protects against UV damage, together with clinically proven actives to lock in moisture and reduce sensitivity. 

In conclusion, the skin barrier plays an essential role in keeping skin hydrated, resilient and comfortable. Supporting the skin barrier with gentle, barrier-supporting skincare and consistent hydration can help reduce visible redness, sensitivity and dehydration while leaving skin feeling smoother, calmer and more balanced over time.

 

Discover more expert-led guidance:
Peptides, Your Skincare Routine and Everything You Need to Know
Peptide Lift & Firm Serum: Prevention & Visible Firming Results
Face, Neck & Décolletage: Why Your Skincare Shouldn’t Stop at Your Jaw