What does skin with a damaged barrier look like?

When the protective barrier becomes weakened its ability to prevent water loss may be reduced. Every day, your skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation and temperature changes. Repeated exposure to these stressors, as well as use of overly harsh skincare products, can strip away natural oils, further weakening the moisture barrier.

As the barrier deteriorates, your skin becomes more susceptible to moisture loss and increasingly vulnerable to external irritants. Recognising the early signs of a compromised skin barrier allows you to take steps towards restoring it. Common visible signs include:

• Dryness: Skin may feel tight, rough and thirsty
• Sensitivity: Increased reactions to products or environmental factors, leading to feelings of discomfort
• Flaking: Noticeable peeling or scaling of the skin
• Redness: Irritation can lead to visible redness, especially on sensitive areas
• Breakouts: you may experience more blemishes to appear

What causes a damaged skin barrier?

Understanding what weakens the skin moisture barrier is essential to repairing it . It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is unique, and what may cause damage to one person’s skin may not affect another in the same way. Here are a few common internal and external factors that can cause a damaged skin barrier:

Internal factors:

• Diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can impact your skin. Foods’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals may help in maintaining healthy looking skin
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations, worsening skin issues and weakening the skin's defence mechanisms
• Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to having a weaker skin barrier, making them more prone to skin issues

External factors:

• Unsuitable skincare products: Introducing too many products or using formulas that aren’t suited to your skin type – such as those containing harsh detergents– can strip the skin of its essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation
• Pollution: Daily exposure to pollutants can create oxidative stress, damaging the skin's natural barrier
• Harsh weather conditions: Regular exposure to cold, dry weather can sap the skin’s moisture, causing it to become dehydrated
• Over-exfoliation: Frequent use of exfoliating acids or scrubs can compromise the skin barrier by stripping away the protective oils and fats that help keep the skin nourished and balanced

How to help repair and restore a damaged skin moisture barrier

Now that we’ve identified the signs and causes, let’s delve into how to help repair a damaged skin moisture barrier . Follow this step-by-step approach to ensure that you restore it:

1. Avoid using harsh products
   Such as physical scrubs or products with high levels of fragrance, alcohol or other irritants can remove the nourishing substances on the skin and disrupt the skin barrier.
2. Switch to a gentle cleanser
   Use a gentle cleaner that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. Look for cream-based or oil-based cleansers that provide hydration while cleansing.
3. Opt for barrier-boosting ingredients
   Invest in serums and moisturisers specifically formulated to help repair and protect the skin moisture barrier, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides, which help hydrate and strengthen.
4. Reduce the use of actives temporarily
   While active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids are beneficial, they can be harsh on a compromised barrier. Temporarily reducing their use can give your skin a chance to recover.
5. Keep skin protected
   Try swapping hot showers for lukewarm ones to preserve natural oils and prevent further dehydration. Additionally, make sure to apply a daily SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sun damage.

Best ingredients for skin barrier repair

Strengthening your skin's moisture barrier starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here are some essential ingredients to look for:

• Ceramides: These essential lipids play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier, helping it to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. Incorporating products rich in ceramides can help restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier, ensuring it functions efficiently
• Fatty acids: Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, support the skin's lipid barrier and help maintain hydration
• Hyaluronic acid: A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps to retain it, leaving the skin plumped and hydrated
• Glycerin: Another excellent humectant, glycerin helps to attract moisture and improve skin texture
• Niacinamide: This versatile ingredient helps to restore the moisture barrier, boosting hydration and helping prevent moisture loss

Daily routine to help restore a damaged skin moisture barrier

Creating a daily skincare routine that helps support and protect a damaged skin moisture barrier is essential. Here’s a simple daily skincare regimen:

1. Gentle cleanser: Start with a mild, hydrating cleanser to wash away impurities without stripping your skin. We recommend our Cleanse & Polish. This British beauty icon is enriched with nourishing cocoa butter and antioxidant-rich botanicals for a highly hydrating and deep cleanse. If you have sensitive skin, try our Pro-Biotic Balancing Milk Cleanser to protect and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, for visibly healthier-looking skin.
2. Hydrating toner: Follow up with a hydrating toner that contains soothing ingredients to replenish moisture. Turn to our Instant Boost Skin Tonic to leave skin feeling soothed, with a refreshed, brighter appearance.
3. Barrier-care serum: Incorporate a serum that contains ceramides and peptides to support and help repair the moisture barrier.
4. Nourishing moisturiser: Finish with a rich moisturiser that seals in hydration and provides essential fatty acids . Our intensely nourishing Superskin Moisturiser with natural neroli helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to leave skin looking plumper and smoother.

This daily routine will help support your moisture barrier and nurture your delicate skin.

Prevention - how to maintain a healthy skin barrier

Once you’ve restored your skin barrier, it’s important to follow preventative measures to help keep your skin in good condition. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy-looking skin barrier:

• Choose gentle skincare products: Go for formulations designed for sensitive skin, avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals
• Moisturise regularly: Using a high-quality moisturiser consistently is key to prevent dryness and support the skin moisture barrier
• Avoid over-exfoliation: Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, focusing on gentle exfoliants to avoid damaging the skin
• Shield from environmental stressors: Incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine to protect your skin from UV damage
• Prioritise sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support your skin’s natural repair process

By adopting these preventative measures, you can help support your skin barrier and minimise the risk of future issues.

The good news is that your skin barrier can be restored with time and consistency. Remember to choose nourishing products with skin-loving ingredients, create a consistent skincare routine and prioritise preventative measures to maintain a healthy-looking skin barrier . With dedication and the right care, you can achieve glowing, radiant skin.