Damaged Skin Barrier Signs + How to Repair It

I am very sure you have heard or seen the words ‘skin barrier’ when researching skincare. But do you know what it means and its importance for the health and look of your skin? The skin barrier, as evident from the name, is the topmost protective layer of your skin. It is made up of lipids and shields your skin against damage and helps retain moisture. Your skin barrier is very delicate and can become easily damaged by environmental factors, using the wrong skin products, and skin allergies. The bad news here is that you have a damaged skin barrier, but it can be fixed, and that is what we are going to talk about.

Signs of Damaged Skin Barrier

To repair your skin barrier, you need to figure out whether it’s damaged or not. Here are a few signs to look for:

• Rosacea
• Redness
• Skin rash
• Flakiness
• Itchy skin
• Breakouts
• Skin peeling
• Dry, scaly skin
• Skin sensitivity
• Dehydrated skin
• Stinging sensation
• Increased fine lines

What Causes Damage to the Skin Barrier?

Here are a few conditions that can damage your skin:

• Skin diseases;
• Use of steroids;
• Excessive stress;
• Excessive sun exposure;
• Dry and humid weather;
• Over-exfoliation or harsh exfoliants;
• Harsh chemicals found in skincare products;
• Alkaline soaps, face washes, and body washes;
• Environmental allergens, pollutants, and irritants.

How to Restore Your Skin Barrier?

Lucky for all of us, the skin barrier can be easily restored by following some easy, simple steps. Here are a few tips that will help you.

Revisit Your Skin Care Products

If you are using every product you see on the Internet, it’s high time to stop. Using a lot of products on your skin every single day can irritate and damage your skin. Invest your time and money in a dermatologist and get the products that suit your particular skin type and infections. A simple cleanser, toner, and moisturizer followed by a weekly or biweekly exfoliation routine will do the job. There is no need to use a gazillion products on your skin.

The pH of Your Skin Matters

Your skin barrier has a pH of 5.7. If you dive into most drugstore skincare products, they typically have pH levels of 3.7 and 8.2. It makes sense to find products that match the natural pH of the skin. Once you choose the products wisely, you will eliminate skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, candida Albicans, redness, itching, and infections. Choose wisely, and you will be good to go.

Plant Oil

Various research has been done on using plant oil for repairing skin barriers and replacing lost moisture. Plant oils are known for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. You can try oils such as jojoba, almond, borage, rosehip, soybean, argan, and coconut oil. You can either use moisturizers that contain these oils or apply them directly to your skin. Applying a few drops to your face every night will work like a charm to revive your skin barrier.

Ceramides Help

If you do not pay close attention to skincare ingredients, you have probably not heard of ceramides before. Ceramides are waxy lipids that are crucial for the healthy functioning of health. It is typically found in high concentrations in the stratum corneum. Research shows that products that contain ceramides help skin conditions such as dryness, scaling, itchiness, and redness. Ceramides also work wonders for acne and make your skin look supple. Go through the ingredients list, and if products contain ceramides, grab them.

Power of the Right Moisturizer

If your skin feels extremely dry, most likely, your skin’s barrier is compromised. The right moisturizer will work wonders. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and petroleum. These ingredients work wonders for dry, dehydrated skin and replenish moisture. These humectants draw water into your skin, making it look plumper and repairing the skin barrier. Make sure you apply it at least twice a day, and you will be good to go.

Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend

Did you know that sun exposure is one of the main reasons behind a damaged skin barrier? If you wish to protect your skin and age well, invest in high-quality sunscreen. You can choose one according to your skin type. Make sure that the product you choose offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it throughout the day. You can get your hands on spray-on sunscreens if you wear makeup and are worried about reapplying the sunscreen again and again.

Eat the Right Nutrients

You don’t have to buy all the expensive creams in the market. Take an inside-out approach. Feed your body with healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to nourish your skin from within. Eating foods that contain healthy fats, dry fruits, and avocados also helps immensely. You can also consider taking supplements for your skin to get the long-lasting glow you have been looking for. It is best to consider a doctor in this regard.

Drink Water

Hydrated skin automatically translates into healthy skin. Aim at drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, limit the caffeine and alcohol intake, and you will surely see a difference in the quality of your skin. You can use all the right products available in the market, but your skin will not look and feel its best if you are dehydrated.

Final Thoughts

If you want healthy skin, you need to have a healthy skin barrier that protects your skin from all sorts of outside stressors. While the skin barrier can become easily damaged, it is possible to repair it by following the right steps. Avoiding harsh chemicals and using the right skincare products work like a charm. Make sure you follow all the tips mentioned above and see your skin transform. If your skin is not responding well, it’s time to schedule a visit with a dermatologist and get your skin back to health.