“Skin barrier damage” might seem like a phrase that was coined just to make you worry about another aspect of your skin. But trust us, it is a real thing, and a healthy skin barrier really is the key to getting the best skin you possibly can get.
What is the skin barrier?
It is essentially the outermost layer of your skin consisting of skin cells and protein-based substances that hold the cells together like glue. This layer of skin acts like a security guard, which blocks out intruders that are bad for your skin like pollution, smoke, UV and harmful substances, so that the skin can function well.
What damages the skin barrier?
Harsh products with irritating ingredients in high amounts, harmful environmental pollutants, overexposure to UV, drastic temperature changes, internal and external stress and even lack of sleep can adversely affect the skin’s barrier function. These factors weaken the barrier and cause the skin to react.
What happens when the skin’s barrier is damaged?
Signs like skin tightness, dryness, redness, itching and sensitised skin all point to a damaged skin barrier. Sensitised skin is different from sensitive skin. The latter is a skin type and can be clinically diagnosed as eczema, psoriasis or similar conditions, while the former – sensitised skin – is a result of a damaged skin barrier.
How to repair a damaged skin barrier
Cut down on exfoliating skincare treatments like scrubs and peels and curb the use of harsh ingredients, such as salicylic acid and lathering agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), until your skin has healed. Avoid using water that’s too hot when washing your skin and limit washing to a maximum of twice a day. To nurture your skin’s barrier back to health, use skincare with ingredients including glycerin, ceramides and squalane – these are known to replenish moisture levels and rebuild the skin barrier.
Try these skin-healing products:
Let’s start with picking gentle facial cleansers first. This cream cleanser from The Ordinary can double as a makeup remover as well as a regular facial cleanser. The main ingredient is a plant-derived glycolipid cleansing agent that doesn’t strip the skin while being efficacious at removing dirt and impurities.
For those who like foam cleansers but find them too drying, try the Ést.lab iteration that uses the pump mechanism to create the lather. The sulfate-free and pH-neutral cleanser contains rose flower extracts that calm inflammation while combating free radical damage. Trehalose and panthenol (vitamin B5) are also added to further bolster the nourishing formula.
Clinically proven to soothe and strengthen sensitised skin, the Bio-essence lotion floods the skin with hydration thanks to the 13 types of multi-weight hyaluronic acid. They are able to penetrate deeper into the epidermis and also deliver vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and ceramides to repair the skin barrier.
Kose’s Clear Wellness was created for those with sensitive skin. This milky lotion employs a cocktail of nourishing plant extracts such as peony, noni juice, Job’s tears seed and perilla leaf. Glycerin is also added to boost hydration. It is also free of alcohol, parabens, fragrance, colourants and mineral oil.
If you are en route to repairing your skin barrier, but you don’t want to give up on treating hyperpigmentation, then this AHC essence was made for you. Besides containing five per cent niacinamide, the formula also features powerhouse brightening ingredients such as tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin. Proprietary technologies Lucent Biome and Mela Scissors Enzyme further aid in strengthening the skin barrier and evening out dark spots.
Krave Beauty was founded by YouTuber Liah Yoo to help us pare down our skincare routine to effective essentials. One of its top-rated products is this skin-soothing serum, which comprises niacinamide and ceramides to brighten and restore skin barrier function. A trifecta of tamanu, safflower and rosehip oil enhances the moisturising and calming qualities.
Retinol is the gold standard ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing, but it can make the skin feel dry and irritated when too much is applied. This Paula’s Choice serum uses a gentler form of retinol (0.3 percent retinyl propionate) and bolsters any harsh effects with niacinamide. Meanwhile, hexylresorcinol targets dark spots and discolouration.
This treatment concentrate is the latest addition to Clinique’s barrier-supporting Mega-Mushroom line. A variety of mushroom complexes work in conjunction with plant extracts and oils to soothe irritated skin, calm redness and strengthen skin barrier against future damage.
Created by a local brand, what sets the Ceradan moisturiser apart from others is its formulation. Instead of just containing ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids found in the skin barrier, the cream has been made to contain them in a ratio that has been clinically proven to rebuild the protective layer. It is suitable for use on babies too.
Composed mostly of petroleum jelly that seals in hydration and prevents moisture loss, the CeraVe ointment also contains hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin barrier. Apply it anywhere that’s feeling dry, whether it be your face, lips, cuticles, elbows and more.
Updated by The Singapore Women’s Weekly on 19 Sep 2023.
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- Beauty
- skin barrier
- skin repair