How to repair your
Skin Barrier
What is a
Skin Barrier or Hydrolipid Barrier?
Your skin barrier is important because it's responsible for protecting your skin from external factors such as UV rays, chemicals, pollutants and any other external threat that can damage your skin. Another main role is to prevent water loss, so if your skin is feeling dry and sensitive, it could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier.
What is a
Broken Skin Barrier?
5 causes of a
damaged skin barrier
- Over-cleansing or excessive exfoliationUsing cleansers with active ingredients or fragrances excessively can dry out your skin, making it irritated and tight, which can compromise your skin barrier.
Always check the directions on the product packaging to make sure you are using the products correctly for the best results. - Environmental conditionsA damaged skin barrier can be caused by your environment, as extreme temperatures, pollution and UV rays can damage skin cells and lipids, which makes it difficult for your skin to retain moisture and defend itself.
- Medical conditionsSkin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis may require treatment with certain medications, if advised by a medical professional, which can cause dryness and itchiness and contribute to a broken skin barrier.
- Lifestyle factorsA poor diet high in fat, salt and sugar, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can significantly damage your skin barrier due to inflammation, oxidative stress and nutritional deficiencies.
- AgeingWith ageing, the hydrolipid barrier starts to thin out and lose its ability to hold on to moisture due to a decrease in your skin's natural oils and lipids, which keep it supple and hydrated. This can lead to dryness, roughness, itchiness and even an increased risk of infection.
Always check the directions on the product packaging to make sure you are using the products correctly for the best results.
9 damaged skin barrier
symptoms
- Dry, patchy skin
- Flaky, uneven texture
- Sensitivity
- Redness
- Itchy skin
- Inflammation
- Dull-looking skin
- Prolonged wound healing
- Skin infections
5 tips on how to repair your skin barrier
1. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and focus on incorporating ingredients such as ceramides or Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine, as these are known for their ability to improve skin plumpness and restore natural moisture levels.
2. If you have delicate, sensitive skin, make sure that you aren't using exfoliants on a daily basis, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils and irritate it further.
3. Be careful not to overuse products that contain ingredients such as alcohol or fragrances.
4. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve your skin function and help you maintain a healthy skin barrier, as a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and fatty acids can boost skin health and resilience.
5. Make sure that you wear sunscreen on a daily basis to help limit and prevent further damage to your skin barrier from UV rays. A bonus of having SPF in your daily moisturiser is that you get to keep your skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun.
Restoring a damaged skin barrier takes time and patience, and consistent care is key.
NIVEA's skin barrier
repair routine
- CleanseIn order to effectively repair your skin barrier, avoid using cleansers that contain harsh ingredients that can disrupt the natural oils present in your skin. Instead, prioritise using hydrating cleansers such as the NIVEA Sensitive Cleansing Milk. This cleansing milk helps to ease symptoms such as redness, tightness and dryness, while preserving your skin's natural moisture levels.
- Hydrate
The key to repairing your skin barrier is keeping it hydrated. A great place to start is by using a hydrating face sheet mask after cleansing, like the NIVEA Cellular Expert Pure Bakuchiol Sculpting Face Sheet Mask. Infused with restorative ingredients like pure Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid, this mask will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
For even more hydration, use a nourishing moisturiser like the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Day Cream, which intensively hydrates and strengthens your skin. Pair this with the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Night Cream at night for the best results. - SunscreenOne of the most vital steps in repairing your skin barrier is giving it the protection it needs from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is a must-have in your skincare routine, as it acts as a shield, protecting your skin from damage while also strengthening your skin barrier.
When a damaged skin barrier is repaired, your skin will feel more nourished and soft to the touch, with less dryness, redness and sensitivity. Once you have built up your skin barrier's strength, you can look at incorporating active ingredients such as acids like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Retinol more frequently.
