How to repair damaged skin barrier on face
While certain skin-care products exfoliate your skin, clear up clogged pores, remove discolouration, and hydrate the skin, others exfoliate the skin, improve its texture, and plump it. The skin barrier can be harmed by using items that are inappropriate for your skin type in addition to other causes. Your skin will appear dry, rough, and spotty if your skin barrier is destroyed because it is unable to protect your skin from pollutants and hazardous chemicals or keep its natural moisture.
I'll explain the skin barrier in this post, as well as what harms it, how to protect it, how to restore the damage that has already been done, and some suggested remedies.
What Is The Skin Barrier?
Each layer of the human skin, which is made up of many layers, is vital to the body's protection and well-being. The outermost layer of the skin is referred to as the skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier. Its robust skin cells—which many scientists compare to a brick wall—are what shield the body from harmful pollutants, ultraviolet rays, viruses, and other pathogens that can weaken the body.
Additionally, the skin barrier retains ceramides, natural oils, and bodily fluids that aid in maintaining moisture and hydration. In other words, you won't survive without the skin barrier! As a result, preserving your general health, maintaining optimal bodily function, and maintaining even, bright skin depend on your skin barrier.
What Causes Damaged Skin Barrier?
The skin barrier can be harmed by a variety of circumstances since it is exposed to several aggressors every day, many of which might weaken the skin barrier.
These elements are as follows:
- Over-exfoliating
- Using products with harmful chemicals
- Using DIY projects
- excessive skin cleansing
- Exposure to allergens
- regular application of physical exfoliants
- environmental elements like pollution UV ray
How To Repair Damaged Skin Barrier?
Be Gentle with your skin
If your skin becomes overly inflamed, you should stop experimenting and concentrate on soothing it. Your skin may only require a simple water wash or a spray of cooling rose water. Furthermore, don't try to expect quick results because a compromised skin barrier will take a few days or weeks to recover. Just remember to treat your skin and yourself with gentleness.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
When the skin barrier is compromised, avoid using excessive amounts of skincare products on your skin. It is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist or skincare specialist so that they can recommend the finest items to use for your skin type. Your skincare regimen must address your skin concerns, so let your dermatologist know if you have breakouts, redness, or discolouration so they can assist you choose the best products to treat those problems. Additionally, you should refrain from using products with strong chemicals or perfumes, especially if your skin barrier is compromised, since these may make irritation and dryness worse. Physical exfoliants that are harsh could harm the skin's protective layer. Always use gentle chemical exfoliants. Always keep in mind that simpler is better when it comes to skincare routines.
Pick The Right Cleanser
Whether you choose to wash your face with two different cleansers or simply one, it ought to be mild enough on your skin while yet being effective. The ideal cleanser should be mild on the skin and effective at removing dust, grime, makeup, dead skin cells, and other small particles. As ceramides and natural oils are crucial to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, they should be protected. Therefore, for the best results, you can't just use any cleanser; you must first determine your skin type before selecting a cleanser that is tailored specifically to your skin type.
Look For A Good Moisturizer
When the skin barrier is compromised, a skin moisturiser is your skin's best friend. It helps to maintain the skin barrier, traps moisture, and keeps the skin hydrated and supple. It's a crucial component of any effective skincare regimen that can aid in goal achievement and skin radiance. Additionally, choosing a moisturiser with elements that support the skin barrier is strongly advised. Plant oils, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and petrolatum are among the ingredients that can effectively build the skin barrier, stop water loss, and restore a compromised skin barrier.
Get Rid Of Inflammation
A dermatologist can help you cure inflammation if your skin is frequently inflamed. People with sensitive skin should avoid harsh substances like alcohol, perfumes, sulphates, and other harsh chemical components to maintain a healthy skin barrier because delicate skin is more likely to irritate. A moisturiser should be used instead of exfoliating if your skin gets extremely dry or irritated in order to soothe irritation and soften the skin. Therefore, it's advisable to pay attention to what your skin dislikes and steer clear of utilising it to keep it feeling supple and healthy.
Best Ingredients That Can Help Fix Damaged Skin Barrier
Ceramides
Ceramides are a naturally occurring substance in the skin that support a healthy skin barrier. As a result, skincare products containing pseudo-ceramides can benefit your skin by reducing dryness, flaking, and irritation while also repairing a compromised skin barrier. Ceramide-rich moisturisers can also protect and fortify the skin barrier. Therefore, before purchasing a new moisturiser, be sure it contains ceramides by checking the ingredients first.
Plant Oils
Almost all plant oils have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial characteristics that can help reduce irritation and inflammation and shield the skin from infections. Additionally, each plant oil works as an emollient to moisturise and calm down irritated, extremely dry skin. Coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil are a few of those wonderful plant oils. Plant oils may therefore help to restore skin damage, maintain moisture, and nourish the skin. Apply a small amount of the oil to the inflamed area and gently massage it in until your skin has absorbed it completely to utilise them. Or you can purchase skincare items made with one or more of those plant oils.
Hyaluronic Acid And Glycerin
As humectants, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum draw water to the skin and hold onto moisture, repairing a compromised skin barrier and maintaining a uniform, healthy appearance. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and honey are ingredients in skincare products that dermatologists advise using because they decrease water loss from the skin by 99 percent.
To enhance the performance of your skin barrier, search for those substances when purchasing a moisturiser.
How To Know If Skin Barrier Is Damaged?
You can tell if your skin barrier is broken by looking for certain common indications.
Signs include:
- Itchy skin areas with rough edges
- Patchy skin that is flaky
- Even a light touch or general itching
- chronic itchiness or little pimples
- dried-out skin
- Discoloration
- Inflammation
Precautions To Take While Having A Damaged Skin Barrier
- Avoid going outside without sunscreen because it will make your disease worse.
- Avoid smoking since it might worsen damage to the skin's protective layer and hasten ageing.
- Get enough rest so that your skin has time to heal itself. Consume more leafy greens and vegetables because they are high in antioxidants that are good for your skin.
- To keep skin moisturised and silky, use a quality product.
- Avoid using harsh substances in skin care products.
- Do not exfoliate.
- Remain hydrated.
- Avoid DIY projects
Takeaway
The skin barrier is the barrier that protects your body from pathogens, diseases, and other environmental irritants. Your skin is more prone to dryness, irritation, inflammation, and other issues if your skin barrier is compromised. Check out the ideas I listed above to restore your skin's healthy barrier and let me know in the comment section.