Your skin barrier is your body's primary defense mechanism. However, when the proteins and lipids in your stratum corneum (the outer layer of your skin) break down, it can damage this barrier. So, how does this happen? What should you do if it does happen?
Key Takeaways: What to Do if Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged
- 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 from environmental stressors. But, especially as you age, it's likely that your healthy skin barrier will start to show signs of damage.
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?
First, let's start with a brief lesson in skin anatomy.
The outermost layer of skin is known as the stratum corneum. It's comprised of corneocytes, which are tightly-bound cells that create a brick-like matrix.
These cells house a rich mix of lipids, proteins, and natural oils. They're also full of cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides, serving as a protective layer between your body and the outside. This protective layer is what's known as the skin barrier.
Your skin barrier repels pathogens, harsh chemicals, irritants, and UV radiation. It also locks in moisture and hydration to keep your skin supple and healthy. It's the unsung hero of your body!
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-Exfoliating
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. This plant-based product contains safe and natural exfoliating agents like bamboo and jojoba beads 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 summer 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
The natural balance of your skin can be easily disrupted, especially if you overuse active ingredients. Beta hydroxy acids, retinol, and acne treatments, though promising crystal-clear skin and a wrinkle-free complexion, are far from gentle and can damage your skin barrier.
So, don't overdo it! 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 cleanser, a hydrating essence, a turmeric anti-aging serum, and a 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. Anything from poor sleeping habits to too much sun can contribute to skin barrier damage.
Itchy skin, redness, inflammation, and uncomfortable tightness can signify a damaged skin barrier. Other symptoms include irritation, sensitivity, and 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 moisture 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 stuff in and the bad stuff out. However, a broken skin barrier can blur these lines, making it easy for external factors and environmental factors to cause damage.
A damaged skin barrier can't retain moisture to keep your skin hydrated, which can lead to dryness and a plethora of other issues.
It should go without saying that maintaining your 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 skincare regimen to the basics. Use a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and an antioxidant-rich serum. That's it for now!
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 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 skincare routine and expect your skin to magically heal itself on its own accord. You'll need to enlist the help of occlusive moisturizers and lotions for a job this serious.
Moisturizing 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. You've got this!
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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.
