Healthy Skin Barrier. Happy Skin.
by Kirsti Shuba
What Is Your Skin Barrier and Why Does It Matter?
You have probably seen the term skin barrier on product packaging, in articles and across social media. But what exactly is it, why does it matter and what happens when it becomes damaged?
Your skin barrier is one of the most important parts of healthy skin. When it is functioning well your skin feels comfortable, looks balanced and is better able to protect itself. When it is compromised, your skin can quickly become dry, reactive, irritated and unpredictable.
In this blog, we explain what your skin barrier is, what damages it and how to keep it in the best possible condition.
What is your skin barrier?
The outermost part of your skin is known as the skin barrier, or scientifically, the stratum corneum.
Its role is simple but vital. It helps keep the good stuff in, such as water and oil and the bad stuff out, such as pollution, dirt, bacteria and environmental stressors.
It also helps support hydration, comfort and the movement of essential nutrients through your skin.
A useful way to think about it is as a brick wall. Your skin cells are the bricks and the lipids that hold everything together act as the mortar. When that mortar is strong, your skin barrier stays intact and works properly. When it becomes weakened, your skin is more vulnerable.
What keeps your skin barrier strong?
A healthy skin barrier contains essential components such as ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. These are part of your skin’s natural moisturising system and help keep your skin hydrated, nourished and resilient.
When these are depleted, your skin can lose moisture more easily and become far more reactive.
What causes skin barrier damage?
This can happen for several reasons.
In simple terms, if something creates visible stress or disruption in your skin, it can also affect your skin barrier.
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged?
The signs are usually easy to spot.
Common signs include:
- sensitive inflamed or irritated skin
- itching
- very dry skin or scaly patches
- dehydration
- dull or grey-looking skin
- open pores
- fine lines
- under-skin congestion
- acne
- increased susceptibility to skin infection
When your barrier is compromised, skin often feels less comfortable, less predictable and less able to tolerate products that previously caused no issue.
Will a damaged skin barrier repair itself?
A damaged skin barrier usually needs the right support to recover well.
The good news is, damage can be improved but it takes consistency and patience. Depending on the level of damage, recovery may take anything from a couple of weeks to several months.
The key is not to throw more at your skin. It is to do the right things consistently.
How to repair and protect your skin barrier
The first step is to work out what caused the problem.
If your skin has been neglected
Keep things simple. Your skin needs a routine you can follow consistently, one that focuses on hydration, nourishment and protection.
If your skin has been over-treated
Go back to basics. Too many products, too many acids and too many aggressive treatments can overwhelm your skin. This often leads to irritation, reactivity and what many people experience as “confused” skin.
The answer is not more. It is less, but better.
To help restore a healthy barrier, focus on products which support your skins primary needs, such as:
- Hydrating products
- Nourishing products
- A daily SPF for environmental protection
Products to support a compromised skin barrier
Rehydrating Concentrate
A well-hydrated skin is better able to maintain its natural defences and hold onto moisture. Rehydrating Concentrate helps flood your skin with hydration and support barrier recovery.
Nurturing Night Balm
When your skin feels sore, inflamed or irritated, Nurturing
Night Balm helps comfort and nourish. Rich in omega fatty acids, it
supports skin that needs calm as well as care.
Concentrate for Dry Skin
Replenishes your skins oil stores, without leaving a heavy or greasy finish. It soothes redness and calms a stressed, reactive skin.
Rehydrating Cream
The perfect partner to Rehydrating Concentrate, Rehydrating Cream helps reinforce hydration and support smoother, more comfortable-looking skin. The matte finish is a gift for dehydrated skin which usually looks shiny by midday.
Daily DNA Defence spf30
Daily SPF is essential for protecting a vulnerable skin barrier. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 provides antioxidant protection in a lightweight formula that feels comfortable and invisible on your skin.
Repairing Nourishing Mask
When your skin barrier feels dry, tight or overwhelmed, Repairing Nourishing Mask helps restore comfort with deep nourishment. It supports compromised skin with replenishing care, helping skin feel softer, calmer and more resilient.
Need help choosing the right products?
If you are unsure what your skin barrier needs, or want help choosing the best products for your skin, book a consultation at our Virtual Skin Bar.
Hosted by Katherine Daniels Co-founder and skin expert Donna Tait, this complimentary 20-minute consultation is designed to help you understand your skin and make the right skincare choices with confidence.
With more than 40 years of skincare expertise, Donna will guide you towards a routine that supports healthier, stronger skin and helps you achieve Better Skin for Life.
All you need is 20 minutes and a phone, tablet or laptop.
