How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
Image courtesy of the National Eczema Association
Skin barrier health is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does that really mean? What causes a damaged skin barrier, and how do we work to repair it? In this comprehensive guide, we'll tackle these questions, delve into the importance of caring for your skin, and recommend some top-rated products to help you maintain a healthy and happy skin barrier. Let's get started!
1: Importance of Your Skin
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health. It serves as a barrier, protecting you from external irritants such as UV radiation, bacteria, allergens, and pollutants. Not only that, but it also helps regulate body temperature, store water and lipids, and maintain sensory nerves.
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential to prevent damage and protect yourself from external harm. This is especially important as we age, as our skin tends to become thinner and more susceptible to damage.
2: Layers of Your Skin
Your skin is composed of three main layers:
Epidermis: The outermost layer primarily responsible for the skin's barrier function
Dermis: The middle layer that contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles
Hypodermis: The innermost layer made up of fat tissue, which acts as an insulator
The stratum corneum is the top layer of the epidermis, and its primary role is to maintain the skin's barrier function. It is composed of protein-rich cells called keratinocytes and lipids, which together play an essential role in retaining moisture and keeping irritants out.
3: Signs of a Broken Skin Barrier
A damaged skin barrier may not be immediately apparent, but some key signs include:
Dryness
Flakiness
Redness
Inflammation
Frequent breakouts
Increased skin reactions to skincare products or environmental factors
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to take steps to repair your skin and restore its protective barrier.
4: Causes of a Broken Skin Barrier
Several factors can contribute to a damaged skin barrier, including:
Overexfoliation: Using harsh scrubs or peels too often can strip away the skin's natural barrier
UV exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the skin's defenses and cause photoaging
Harsh skincare ingredients: Some chemicals or fragrances may cause irritation
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to skin that is unable to maintain natural hydration
Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can lead to weakened skin
5: Skincare Routine to Repair
To repair your damaged skin barrier, follow these essential steps:
Cleanse gently: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh scrubs or brushes that may exacerbate irritation.
Moisturize: Look for a moisturizer containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, which can help rebuild your skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Apply occlusives & humectants: Use products that contain these ingredients (recommendations below) to help form a protective seal on your skin.
Protect: Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days and in the winter months. UV rays can break down the barrier and lead to premature aging.
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
$16
A classic product used to help heal dry and cracked skin. It contains petrolatum, which forms an occlusive layer that helps seal in moisture and prevent further irritation. This product can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with moisturizers for added hydration.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
$16
A multi-purpose repairing balm that helps restore the skin barrier It contains panthenol to nourish and hydrate, as well as shea butter to protect against environmental aggressors. This product can be used on the face, body, or lips for relief from dryness, itching, and irritation.
Weleda Skin Food
$15
An ultra-nourishing product that helps soothe dry skin and keep it hydrated. It contains a blend of plant-based oils, extracts, beeswax, and lanolin to help form a protective barrier while providing nourishment. This product can be used all over the face and body for a deeply nourishing effect.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
$10
Specifically designed to help heal cracked nipples from breastfeeding. It contains lanolin, which creates a protective barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out. This product can be applied directly all over the body (not just to the nipple area) as needed and is safe for baby (or boyfriend) consumption.
Boiron Homeoplasmine
$16
An ointment used to relieve and repair irritated skin. It contains ingredients such as homeopathic medicine, beeswax, and calendula to help soothe itching and promote healing. This product can be applied directly to the face or body as often as needed for relief from dryness or irritation.
SkinCeuticals TRIPLE LIPID RESTORE
€148
A cream designed to help rebuild the skin's protective barrier. It contains a blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to restore essential lipids to the skin. This product can be used daily for added hydration and protection from environmental aggressors.
Isdin Uradin Lotion 10
$39
A lightweight body lotion designed to soothe and repair dry skin. It contains humectants such as glycerin, urea, and panthenol to help seal in moisture and prevent further irritation. This product can be applied directly all over the face, body, or scalp for added hydration.
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