Is Your Skin Barrier Damaged? How To Repair It?

The latest buzzword in the skincare industry is ‘barrier repair’, and you shouldn't underestimate its significance. Your skin barrier is the key factor behind a skin healthy, radiant and flawless. But sometimes the skin barrier gets compromised because of the unhealthy skincare practices. The harsh chemicals in our skincare products strip the natural oil, alter the pH level of the skin’s surface, damaging the skin barrier. Even a simple face wash containing harsh chemicals can disturb pH balance of your skin, disrupting the skin barrier. We use so many beauty products in our face care regime, that the presence of any 1 irritant in any of these products can damage the natural barrier of the skin. It's very unfortunate that even without realizing it we are doing a lot of harm to the skin barrier. Read on, as we will be divulging details about skin barrier, how it gets damaged and how to repair it for a problem-free, radiant and youthful skin.

What Is the Skin Barrier?

Skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. Its primary role is to keep beneficial elements inside (natural oils and moisture) while keeping out all the harmful stuff (irritants from external sources). When the skin barrier is working optimally, your skin feels hydrated, soft, and plumped up. However, when this barrier gets damaged, it leads to a host of issues such as dryness, irritation, and even acne.

How Does The Skin Barrier Get Damaged?

The skin barrier is a crucial component of our body's defense mechanism. It is responsible for protecting us from external aggressors such as pollution, UV rays, and harmful bacteria. However, sometimes this barrier can become damaged, when the lipids present on the skin surface which binds the skin cells together gets damaged. The skin barrier gets damaged because of the following reasons:

1. Ageing
2. Genetics
3. Environmental aggressors - UV rays, dirt, pollution.
4. Unhealthy skincare practices - using too hot or too cold water for face care, over exfoliating and excessive use of retinols.
5. Unhealthy lifestyle habits - smoking, drinking, junk food consumption and inadequate sleep.

So, how do you find out whether your skin barrier is damaged, and how can you repair it?

Signs Of A Damaged Skin Barrier

Do skincare problems like acne, dry skin and itchiness, keep surfacing every now and then, then probably your skin barrier is compromised. When the skin barrier is damaged, there are cracks on the barrier through which moisture passes out and bacteria and other irritants enter the skin, making your skin prone to various skin conditions.
Signs of a damaged skin barrier include:

• Dryness
• Flakiness
• Redness
• Sensitivity
• Skin infections
• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne

Also Read : Skin Pigmentation (Hyperpigmentation) - Causes, Home Remedies and Tips

If these skincare issues keep pestering you every now and then, it's time to take action.

How To Repair The Damaged Skin Barrier?

As per experts, if you want to repair your skin barrier then switch up your skincare routine. Break off from your existing skincare routine. Follow the below mentioned skincare tips to repair the damaged skin barrier:

1. Be Kind To Your Skin

Use vegan and cruelty-free skincare products which are devoid of all the nasties. Switch to skincare products containing skin-friendly ingredients such as Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene and Niacinamide, which help to strengthen the barrier.

2. Don’t Over Exfoliate

Over exfoliation can be one of the primary reasons for damaged skin barrier. Avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh products, which can further damage the skin barrier, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Our 24 K Gold Good Bye Acne Kit which comprises a facial cleanser and facial serum is a best solution for all your skin problems associated with damaged skin barrier as it contains 24K Gold and Zinc PCA - 2 powerful ingredients that helps to rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier. It helps prevent breakouts, by unclogging the pores and restoring a healthy, glowing complexion.

Also Read : Here’s What Regular Exfoliation Can Do To Your Skin

ANVEYA 24K GOLD GOODBYE ACNE KIT

• Helps in skin renewal
• Fights against acne causing bacteria
• Control sebum secretion
• Calms and soothes active acne
• Works on acne scarring and blemishes

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3. Never Skip Moisturizing Your Skin

When the skin barrier is damaged, it is not able to lock the moisture under the skin surface and you have dry, dull and lacklustre skin. Irrespective of your age and skin type, your skin needs hydration. Use a hydrating cream or serum twice a day. Look for skin hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, argan oil etc which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. The best serum for glowing skin is one that contains potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E, green tea extract which help to brighten and even out skin tone. According to experts, your best serum for glowing skin should be a combination of emollients and humectants, which can attract water from surrounding and trap the water molecule under your skin, making your skin look plump and hydrated.

Also Read : Niacinamide, The Miracle Worker You Need in Your Skincare Regime

4. Sun Proof Your Skin

Exposure to harmful UV rays can have a damaging effect on the skin barrier, leading to dry, dull and inflamed skin. Always protect your skin from the sun by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above. Experts recommend using sunscreen with antioxidants for anti-ageing benefits.

If you are still struggling with a damaged skin barrier despite these efforts, it may be time to see a dermatologist for a more intensive skin treatment. Taking care of your skin barrier is essential for maintaining healthy, problem-free and glowing skin. By using the right products and treating your skin with care, you can repair and strengthen your skin barrier for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.