BARRIER REPAIR: HOW TO BABY THE HELL OUT OF YOUR SKIN WHEN YOU'VE OVERDONE IT

Hi, babes! 

Emma here,  and today we'll be discussing barrier repair! But before we begin, let's clear some things up first, shall we? 

You are not alone if you have ever questioned what your skin barrier is. Recent skincare commercials have certainly highlighted skin barriers along with some lofty advice on how to improve your barrier, how to cherish it, how it's the source of all happiness and unhappiness, etc.

Skin barriers are being overhyped right now, but there's a good reason for it: Your skin barrier is what determines how your skin looks and feels, and if you're not taking good care of yours, you could be increasing your risk of dryness, irritation, acne, rosacea, fine lines, and other skin conditions. Not the best, is it? I'm here to assist you in understanding what your skin barrier is precisely and why it's so crucial.

Simply put, your skin's outermost layer, which acts as a shield, is known as the skin barrier. Your skin barrier basically serves to protect you from external stresses, irritants, and inflammation while retaining all the beneficial components (moisture, moisture and, of course, moisture).

How do I know if my barrier is damaged? 

Really, there’s no better way to word this: Does your skin feel anything less than fantastic? If not, you might need to take care of your skin barrier. Dryness, flakes, increased sensitivity, redness, itching, and severe inflammation are all signs of a compromised skin barrier. Another indicator of a weak or broken barrier? Rashes and infections in your skin are getting more common.

Your skin barrier will occasionally sustain damage because it protects you from irritants all the time. What are some of the main reasons for a damaged skin barrier? Physical harm (over-exfoliating your face or using harsh/irritating skincare products), environmental factors (sun exposure, pollution, smoking), and even just your genetics and age. As we age, our ceramide levels drastically decline, and so our skin’s ability to hold onto moisture eventually becomes compromised.

Basically, some elements, like age and, you know, the weather, that affect your skin barrier are "completely" out of your control. However, if your skincare regimen is giving you issues, you may (and should!) change it up by avoiding harsh exfoliators, acids, and sulfate-containing soaps, all of which can upset the balance of fats in your skin barrier. The moisture and humidity that keep your skin looking supple, full, and plump won't be maintained if your skin barrier doesn't have an efficient balance of fats, according to this statement.

So now that you know what your barrier is, and what causes damage to it, what can you do about it? 

Reintroducing moisture as soon as possible is essential for skin barrier healing. Look for moisturisers that include humectants and ceramides, according to experts. Topical ceramides replicate the skin's natural moisturising processes to retain moisture, whereas humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin) act as water magnets. To keep the epidermis wet, they draw water molecules from the dermis towards it.

If your skin barrier is very compromised and has been for some time, continue with a moisturising and bland routine for at least two to three weeks before (slowly!) reintroducing acids and retinoids. So, use a mild face wash in the morning and at night, then a hydrating face serum, and finally - and most importantly -a thick, barrier-repairing moisturiser, such as one of the choices listed below that have been recommended by experts.

How long will it take to repair your barrier? 

I'm sorry to break it to you, but recuperation time is entirely dependent on your skin type and the degree of skin barrier damage. If you accidentally overdid a face cleanse or peel one time? Within a week or two, you ought to feel better. But what if you unintentionally spent months destroying your skin's protective layer by using harsh or inappropriate products? It can take several months for it to recover. Your dermatologist will ultimately become your best friend on the road to barrier restoration. A dermatologist's touch (and prescription products) are ultimately required to soothe and treat many skin conditions like rosacea or dermatitis, both of which can flare up when your barrier is compromised. While you can treat some skin issues on your own, such as dryness or flakes, there are many others that require their touch (and prescription products).

Now that we've learnt all this, what are some products you can try in effort to placate your angry skin? Let's check them out.

BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream

While you might believe that to properly care for your skin barrier, you need rich, thick textures, this new gel-cream from Byoma shows that contemporary formulas with lightweight textures can accomplish the task just as effectively. After my skin reacted to a strong exfoliating acid, I replaced all of my regular serums and moisturisers with this for a fortnight, and my skin recovered in less than two weeks.

NO7 Advanced Ingredients Squalane Facial Capsules

This is intended to supplement your skin care regimen. After cleansing but before your customary serums and moisturisers, you apply. Squalane has been shown to improve skin texture while strengthening skin and preventing water loss.

DR.JART+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.pair Serum

Centella Asiatica (CICA), commonly referred to as "tiger grass" in some quarters, is a potent component that instantly calms the skin. Tiger grass microcapsules are included in this Dr. Jart+ serum to safeguard your skin's defences and encourage skin-barrier mending. On TikTok, the entire collection has become somewhat of a viral sensation, and believe me, it truly lives up to the hype.

LA ROCHE-POSAY Cicaplast Baume for Sensitive Skin

It is hypoallergenic, so soft that it may be used on babies, and it contains calming panthenol, glycerin, and shea butter. The best SOS item for skin injury.

So there you have it, babes. Tune in next time to learn more skincare tips by yours truly. 

Bye for now.

Love, 

Emma

xxxx