Your skin barrier is your body's primary defense mechanism. However, when the proteins and lipids in your stratum corneum break down, it can compromise the delicate balance of your skin barrier.
Key Takeaways
- Simply Your Skincare Routine and Focus on Natural Ingredients
- Follow a Balanced and Holistic Lifestyle
- Restore and Repair Your Skin Barrier With Moisturizing Skincare Products
When your skin barrier is healthy and strong, it seals in natural moisture and protects you from environmental stressors with ease. But especially as you age, it's likely that your once-radiant complexion will start to appear dull and dry.
Keep reading, and we'll let you know exactly how you can repair a damaged skin barrier.
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What is Your Skin Barrier?
The outermost layer of skin is known as the stratum corneum. It's comprised of corneocytes, which are cells that are tightly bound in order to create a brick-like matrix.
These skin cells house a rich mix of lipids and contain keratin and natural oils. They're full of cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides, serving as a protective barrier between your body and the outside world.
Your skin barrier repels external threats like pathogens, harmful chemicals, and UV radiation to keep your body happy and healthy. It also acts as a hydration lock, keeping your skin's natural oils and moisture sealed to prevent dehydration and dryness.
What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier is built with proteins and lipids that, when broken down, can lead to damage. Anything from genetics to sun exposure to sleeping habits can impact the health and integrity of your stratum corneum.
#1. Over-Exfoliation
Exfoliating is an essential step in any well-rounded skincare routine. But too much of a good thing is never good - and exfoliation is a prime example of this.
Many chemical peels and harsh scrubs that might promise clean and refined skin can wreak havoc on your protective barrier. Depending on your skin type, even an all-natural and gentle body scrub can be overwhelming on your skin if you use it every day - but when used in moderation, it can soothe, polish, and purify your skin.
Be sure to only exfoliate two to three times a week, and even less if you have sensitive skin. Use gentle scrubs like our Radiance Enzyme Scrub & Enzyme Mask, a plant-based product that contains non-abrasive exfoliating agents like bamboo and jojoba beads in order to cleanse and refine your skin without digging in too deep.
#2. Sun Damage
Though the sun's rays can feel particularly warm and fulfilling on a refreshing spring day, too much time under her light can damage your skin. The sun emits UV rays, a form of non-ionizing radiation that can lead to premature aging (which you can counter with a skin-smoothing anti-aging hand lotion.)
Your skin barrier is in charge of protecting your body against environmental stressors, which include UV radiation. If you want to maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier, don't forget to slather on some SPF before stepping outside.
#3. Too Many Active Ingredients
Your skin's delicate balance can be easily disrupted, especially if you overuse active ingredients. Beta hydroxy acids, retinol, and acne creams, though promising crystal-clear skin and a wrinkle-free complexion, aren't gentle at all and can damage your skin barrier.
Don't overdo it, and be sure to turn to all-natural beauty products in order to achieve your skincare goals. Avoid harsh cleansers and only wash your face with lukewarm water (hot water can hurt your skin barrier, too.)
Our Face Ritual for Oily to Combination Skin features four of our most tried-and-true plant-based formulas for healthy and happy skin. It features a rice-water-inspired cleanser, a hydrating toner, a turmeric-infused anti-aging serum, and a vitamin-rich lightweight moisturizer. This is the ultimate skincare ritual for anyone looking for a supple yet refined complexion.
What Does a Compromised Skin Barrier Look Like?
The signs of a damaged skin barrier can vary from person to person, as everyone's body reacts differently to various environmental factors. Anything from poor sleeping habits to too much sun can contribute to skin barrier damage.
Itchy skin, redness, and uncomfortable tightness can signify a damaged skin barrier. Other symptoms include irritation, sensitivity, and increased dryness. If you're struggling with skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, or acne, your skin barrier might be in need of some TLC.
What Does a Healthy Skin Barrier Look Like?
A strong protective barrier equals healthy skin. A bright, glowing, and radiant complexion means your skin's barrier is healthy and supported. However, no one's skin is flawless, no matter how glass-like it might appear.
All skin experiences trans epidermal water loss to some extent. However, when your skin barrier is damaged, retaining moisture can become a significant challenge. The key to maintaining bouncy and youthful skin through the years is to prioritize skin barrier repair and restoration.
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How to Heal, Strengthen, and Repair Your Skin Barrier
Simply put, your skin barrier keeps the good in and the bad out. However, a broken skin barrier can blur these lines, making it easy for external factors to negatively impact your body. A damaged skin barrier can't retain moisture and natural oils in order to keep your skin hydrated, which can lead to dryness and a plethora of other issues.
It should go without saying that maintaining excellent skin barrier function is necessary. But this is easier said than done, as it's not always clear what your skin needs in order to thrive. Luckily, there are a few things you can do in order to effectively support and strengthen your skin's barrier.
#1. Simply Your Skincare Routine and Focus on Natural Ingredients
If you follow a 10-step skincare ritual, it's a good idea to tone it down a notch or two. Strip down your skin care regimen to the basics. Use a gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, and maybe an antioxidant-rich serum.
Nourishing and calming formulas can encourage the healing process in the deeper layers of your skin if your barrier is damaged. It's also essential to use all-natural, plant-based ingredients that won't overwhelm the delicate pH balance of your skin.
In addition to our foundational Face Ritual for Oily to Combination Skin set, you should use a purifying body cleanser and a brightening dry oil to encourage smooth, healthy skin from head to toe. The path to young skin starts with skincare products that boost skin cell turnover and natural moisture.
#2. Follow a Balanced and Holistic Lifestyle
Your skin is an outward reflection of your inner well-being. Even if you use luxuriously high-end skincare products, they won't do much if your day-to-day life is packed with processed junk foods and staying up past 4 AM. You need to lead a balanced life in order to give your skin the nutrients and support it requires to thrive.
You should, of course, start with a healthy diet and regular exercise. But any holistic life goes deeper than that. Self-care, community engagement, and herb-infused healing tonics are just a few other ways to enhance your daily lifestyle with meaningful moments.
#3. Restore and Repair Your Skin Barrier With Moisturizing Skincare Products
You can't keep following your same old beauty routine and expect your skin to magically heal itself on its own accord. You'll need to enlist the help of ceramide-rich moisturizers and lotions for a job this serious.
Barrier-building ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and fatty acids are a must if you're looking to recover from skin barrier damage. You'll need to moisturize regularly with a skin-plumping moisturizer like our Sweet Black Tea and Rice Moisturizer if you want visible results and energized skin.
This hydrating formula features kombucha for antioxidants, five-flavor berry extract for collagen production, and rice bran oil for a dose of vitamin E. This mix of botanicals is the key to healthy, bright skin that will stay strong for years to come!
Final Thoughts
A damaged skin barrier can seem disastrous, but as long as you know the best way to repair and restore that natural balance, you'll be able to maintain a glowing, radiant complexion.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
