Your skin has an innate ability to safeguard itself from aggressors, pollutants, and other irritants. Skin’s outermost layer, dubbed the lipid barrier, resembles a masonry wall where corneocytes act as the bricks and lipids (re: fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol) as the mortar. This robust, first line of defence also prevents moisture loss and promotes overall skin health. So, you can only imagine if the structural integrity of this wall were compromised. Let us give you a hint – signs of skin damage creeping up on you and how!
As established, a sturdy barrier is indispensable to healthy skin. This is why, we are bringing you an exhaustive guide on how to repair a damaged skin barrier. We help you with tips, tricks, and most importantly stellar products to restore your skin to its former glory.
Before we get to the cheatsheet, let’s refresh our basics.
How Do You Know If Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged?
There are a lot of telling signs when your skin barrier is damaged. We list the most common ones here. If you still can’t discern, consult with a board-certified dermatologist ASAP
1. Dry, flaky skin
2. Frequent breakouts and bumps
3. Inexplicable inflammation and irritation on the skin
4. Hives or rashes
5. Bacterial skin infections
6. Dull, beat-looking skin
What Factors Lead To A Damaged Skin Barrier
To employ the best products for damaged skin, start by recognizing your triggers. Here’s a list of possible reasons for a damaged barrier
1. Your genetic makeup: Many folks grapple with a weakened or a damaged barrier, due to their genes.
2. Harsh skincare, makeup and products: Certain skincare and makeup products can zap the moisture from the skin and marr the lipid barrier in the process. Circumvent this problem by opting for alcohol and SLS-free products.
3. pH-meddling formulas: The lipid barrier has an acidic pH, of approximately 3.5 to 4. Therefore, we recommend using products that don’t disrupt this natural level.
4. Extreme weather conditions and UV exposure: Extreme temperatures and sun exposure can dislodge water molecules from the skin, compromising your barrier’s integrity.
How To Repair Damaged Skin?
If you want to repair a damaged barrier, here are some pointers to bear in mind.
1. Stick to a simple yet effective skincare routine: If your skin is damaged, steer clear of multi-step routines with redundant formulas. Focus on reinforcing the barrier while addressing your skin’s primary concerns.
2. Stick to a hydrating skincare: In the last section, we learnt how abrasive skincare can damage the barrier. To circumvent this problem, use gentle, pH-balancing and hydrating products only.
3. Look for Ceramide-infused formulas: Ceramide is the glue responsible for your skin’s structure and integrity. However, the level of this lipid may deplete due to external factors like weather extremities and harsh products among other things – making your skin susceptible to aggressors. To help revive damaged skin, make BFFs with Ceramide-imbued products.
4. Moisturize without fail: The key to a robust lipid barrier is moisturization. Crammed with emollients and occlusives, a moisturizer preserves your skin’s hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. The skincare staple doubles down on efforts for a robust barrier, soothes inflammation and ofcourse, makes your skin ultra-smooth.
5. Load up on antioxidants: Antioxidants like Vitamin E, C and Ceramides form a shield on the dermis to prevent damage. So, whether it's your plate or your everyday skincare, load up on antioxidants to fight pollutants, UV rays, free radicals and more.
The Best Ingredients To Repair And Rejuvenate The Skin Barrier
1. Ceramides: Lipids known as ceramides exist naturally in the skin and perform an essential function in preserving the skin barrier. Products containing ceramides can help repair the skin barrier and improve the skin's overall health.
2. Niacinamide: The production of ceramides can be increased by niacinamide, which is a type of vitamin B3 that has been proven to enhance the skin barrier. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin.
3. Hyaluronic acid: By drawing in and retaining moisture, hyaluronic acid serves as a humectant that may aid in keeping the skin moisturized. It can also help to strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the production of ceramides.
4. Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can help to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Furthermore, they can enhance the skin's overall well-being and fortify the protective skin barrier.
5. Sunscreen: As mentioned earlier, UV rays can damage the skin barrier and lead to premature ageing. Using a sunscreen with a high level of protection, an SPF of 50 or greater, can aid in safeguarding the skin from the sun's damaging rays.
The Best Skincare Routine For A Damaged Barrier
If you have damaged skin (translation: an impaired barrier), here’s a simple yet effective routine. Crafted with Foxtale bestsellers, follow this regimen daily to improve the quality of your skin and life.
1. Scrub but gently: As seen earlier, damaged skin demands a gentle, pH-balancing face wash. And boy, do we have an amazing cleanser to do this Meet Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash. The product guarantees you a thorough cleanse without making your skin feel stripped. Moreover, it contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that bind water molecules to the skin, making it look soft and taut. Take a coin-sized amount of the formula and gently massage it on your skin for 30 seconds. Go for a second cleanse with lukewarm or cold water.
2. Hydrate and protect: To fortify hydration for your skin, use Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Provitamin B5, Aquaporin Boosters, Alpha-Bisabolol and Red Algae Extracts that ensure 6X hydration. Team this with our Vitamin C Serum, an emollient-rich formula that shields the skin against harmful UV rays and pollutants. First and foremost, apply 2 to 3 pumps of the Vitamin C Serum. Once it sinks in, slather the HA serum generously to seal in the treatment. Alternatively, you can use Niacinamide face serum to prevent TEWL, alleviate inflammation, and strengthen the barrier.
3. Moisturize well: Next, use a dollop of moisturizer to put a sturdy lock on the treatment. Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer STAT. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil replenish your skin’s moisture barrier. Moreover, Ceramides prevent TEWL and avert harmful aggressors. If your skin is extremely damaged, you can also try our Skin Repair Cream. It uses ERS Technology to hydrate, heal and nourish your skin.
4. Sun protection: No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. For folks with damaged skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen. The broad-spectrum formula shields the skin against harmful UV rays. Moreover, D-Panthenol and Vitamin E in the formula ensure long-lasting moisturization of the skin.
FAQs
1. How to fix my damaged skin barrier?
You can fix your damaged skin barrier by adhering to the following steps
Use a gentle, pH-balancing face wash
Hydrate using humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerine
Apply an antioxidant imbued serum like Foxtale’s Vitamin C
Don’t forget to moisturize
Slather sunscreen without fail
