Skincare 101: How to Repair the Skin Barrier

Why Is Our Skin Barrier So Important?

Your skin is made up of many layers and each one performs a different, unique function when it comes to protecting your body. The very outermost layer, which is called the stratum corneum, is often described as a brick wall - it protects the rest of your layers of skin. This layer consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes, which are all bound together by a mortar-like lipid, forming your skin barrier.

Inside the skin cells of the barrier, there is keratin and moisturisers. The lipid layer also contains other vital building blocks such as fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. Whilst the skin barrier is thin, it can protect us from many harmful environmental toxins and stressors.

What Can Damage Your Skin Barrier & Why Must We Protect It?

On a regular basis, your skin is defending you against many threats. These can come both from the inside and outside of our bodies, so we need our skin barrier to be in tip-top condition to fight them off. 

Some of these external stressors could be: 

• A dry or humid climate

• Sun exposure for a long period of time

• Exposure to harsh chemicals or dyes

• Smoking

• Excessive drinking

• Overconsumption of sugar

• Allergens

• Pollutants 

• Some detergents and soaps

As well as external environmental factors, we also have to look internally as well. Internal stressors are just as detrimental to our skin barrier. Look out for: 

• Psychological stress

• Genetic factors, for example, if you have common skin conditions in your family

How to Repair Your Skin Barrier?

In order to repair your skin barrier, you first need to identify what has compromised it by looking at how it’s been affected. Your skin barrier not functioning properly can look like many different things, for example: 

• Itchiness or redness of the skin

• Dry, peeling, or scaly skin

• Rough, or discoloured patches

• Acne, blemishes, or breakouts 

• Sensitive or inflamed areas

Once you notice one or more of these symptoms, it's vital that you begin looking at ways that you can repair your skin’s barrier.

1. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++ 

Prevention is key and that’s why it’s important that you always wear a sunscreen or a form of SPF. Sun damage can break down your skin barrier, and also accelerate advanced signs of ageing. If you’ve got fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, or skin laxity, we've got the products to help rejuvenate your skin and restore your youthful complexion. 

Our Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++ is ideal for those looking to protect their skin barrier. This daily lightweight SPF 50 defends against indoor and outdoor damage, shielding skin from 96% of pollution and 89% of blue light from screens. Not to mention, this product is 100% mineral-based which will leave your skin looking luminous with a glowing sheen. 

2. SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment 30ml 

If you suffer from sensitivity where your skin is concerned, this could also be because your skin barrier has been damaged. Sensitive skin needs extra consideration, with formulations that are going to hydrate, nourish and refine the skin without aggravating it. Here at Skinstation, our skin experts know exactly how that feels. 

Add the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment 30ml to your daily skincare routine to soothe and correct out-of-balance skin. This brightening, lightweight, oil-free moisturiser contains 2% Alpha Arbutin, 3% Azelaic Acid and 5.75% Phyto Botanical Blend which will help with the repair of your skin barrier, but also enhance radiance, texture, and clarity with daily use. 

3. Dr. Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods™ Stress Repair Face Cream

The Dr. Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods™ Stress Repair Face Cream is another vital step to add to your skin barrier repair plan. This superfood complex hydrates, nourishes, and boosts the skin's natural moisture barrier, so you can experience long-lasting hydration, day after day.