If you have dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, then you may have a weakened skin barrier. The good news is that there are ways to repair a weakened skin barrier and using a barrier cream is one of the most effective.
A weakened skin barrier loses moisture faster than compared to skin with a strong barrier. External irritants easily penetrate the skin, and your skin is not able to perform its protective function properly.
A barrier cream is a type of cream that helps to create a barrier between the skin and external irritants, such as environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and bacteria. Barrier creams are also used to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Using a barrier cream can help to repair and restore your skin’s natural barrier function.
How To Tell If Your Skin Barrier is Damaged?
There are several signs that your skin barrier may be damaged:
Dry, Scaly Skin
If your skin feels tight, dry, scaly, or flaky.
Redness
Damage to the skin barrier can cause inflammation, which can lead to redness, most common on the cheeks.
Itchiness
A damaged skin barrier can make the skin feel itchy, especially after using certain products.
Bacterial or Fungal Infections
Damaged skin that is dry and scaly is more prone to infections due to micro tears.
Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
If your skin is sensitive or inflamed, it could be a sign that your skin barrier is damaged.
Rosacea or Eczema
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes a flushed face, a blushing on the cheeks, chin or nose and visible blood vessels and/or small pus-filled raised bumps on skin. It is often mistaken for acne.
Eczema
Eczema is a dry skin condition, it is also known Atopic Dermatitis. It commonly occurs in children and can reoccur in adults later in life.
What Weakens The Skin Barrier?
There are several factors that can weaken the skin barrier:
- Over-Cleansing & Washing with Hot Water
Cleansing your skin is important, but over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier.
Likewise using hot water to wash your face or body will wash away the essential lipids (fats) in the skin and cause the skin to become dehydrated.
2. Environmental Factors
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays, wind, and cold temperatures can weaken the skin barrier.
3. Irritating Skincare Products
Using skincare products that contain harsh ingredients or are not suitable for your skin type can damage the skin barrier.
4. Aging
As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture, which can weaken the skin barrier. Unfortunately, menopause can contribute to a weakened skin barrier.
5. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, can also weaken the skin barrier.
How Can I Strengthen My Skin Barrier?
There are several things you can do to strengthen your skin barrier:
- Moisturise Regularly and Use A Barrier Cream
Moisturizing helps to keep the skin hydrated and a barrier cream will lock that moisture in and keep irritants out.
Hydration is essential. Look for a moisturiser that contains ceramides, which are lipids that are important for maintaining the skin’s barrier.
2. Use A Gentle, Non-Irritating Cleanser
Avoid using harsh cleansers or hot water, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the barrier. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and lukewarm water.
3. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating is essential for healthy skin, but over-exfoliating can damage the barrier and lead to irritation. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week, and do not use a grainy exfoliator.
4. Protect Your Skin from The Sun
The sun’s UV rays can weaken the skin’s barrier, always use a 50+ SPF sunscreen every day.
5. Avoid Using Products That Contain Alcohol or Other Harsh Ingredients
Alcohol and harsh skincare ingredients can dry out the skin, which disrupts the barrier. Look for products that are formulated for sensitive skin and avoid those that contain alcohol or other potential irritants.
6. Use A Humidifier
Dry air can make skin dehydrated. Using a humidifier in your bedroom, or home, can help to add moisture into the air which will help stop your skin from drying out.
7. Eat A Healthy Diet
If you want good skin, you have to eat well. Try to include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats on a daily basis, to balance out your diet. Good nutrition will help to nourish your skin and support it’s barrier function.
8. Avoid Over-Washing
When you wash your face too often you can strip your skin of its natural oils and weaken the barrier. Do not wash your face more than two times per day.
How Long Does It Take to Repair A Damaged Skin Barrier?
The time it takes to repair a damaged skin barrier will vary and it depends on the severity of the damage and the individual person’s skin type.
In general, it takes at least 3 – 6 weeks or longer, for the skin barrier to fully repair itself.
Good skin care, including moisturizers and barrier creams, will help to speed up the healing process.
It is important to be patient and consistent with your skin to give your skin the best chance to repair its skin barrier.
Barrier Cream Ingredients to Look For In Skincare Products To Repair Skin Barrier
There are several key ingredients to look for in a barrier cream to help repair and strengthen your skin. These include:
Ceramides
These are lipids that are naturally found in the skin’s barrier, they help to keep skin moisturized and healthy. Look for creams that contain ceramides to help replenish and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin, making it an effective ingredient for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.
Petroleum Jelly
This is a thick, greasy substance that is often used as a barrier cream to protect the skin from irritation and moisture loss. It forms a protective layer on the skin and helps to keep it hydrated.
Dimethicone
This is a silicone-based ingredient that helps to create a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants and moisture loss. It is often used in creams and lotions for sensitive skin.
Panthenol
This is a form of vitamin B5 that helps to moisturize and repair the skin. It can help to reduce inflammation and irritation, making it an effective ingredient for sensitive skin.
Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce inflammation. It is often used in creams and lotions for dry, damaged, or sensitive skin.
It’s important to choose a barrier cream that is formulated for your specific skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, look for products that are free from fragrances and other potential irritants.
You should also patch-test the product on a small area of skin before using it on a larger area to ensure that it is suitable for you.
Do You Put Barrier Cream on Before Or After Moisturizer?
You apply a barrier cream after your moisturiser.
The barrier cream will create a film over the moisturiser that will keep the moisture in.
Suggested skincare routine:
- Cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Tone your skin to balance the pH and to prep your skin for the next steps.
- Apply a serum to target specific skin concerns.
- Moisturize your skin to hydrate and nourish it.
- Apply a barrier cream to protect your skin from irritation and dryness.
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so you may need to adjust your skincare routine based on your specific skin type and concerns.
It is always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or a skincare professional to determine the best skincare routine for your needs.
What Is the Difference Between Moisturizer and Barrier Cream?
Moisturizers and barrier creams are both skin care products that are used to hydrate and protect the skin, but they work in slightly different ways.
Moisturizers are designed to increase skin moisture and provide hydration.
Barrier creams are designed to create a physical barrier between the skin and external irritants such as chemicals, pollutants, and bacteria.
Basically, moisturizers are used to keep the skin hydrated and healthy, and barrier creams are used to protect the skin from external factors that may cause irritation or damage.
How To Use a Skin Barrier Repair Cream
To use a skin barrier cream, follow these steps:
- Wash your face or affected area with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Apply your serum, essence, moisturizer, or facial oil, (whichever product you are using).
- Apply a thin layer of the skin barrier cream to the affected skin area.
- Very gently press and pat the barrier cream into your skin (don’t rub if your skin is inflamed or sore).
- Allow the cream to absorb fully into your skin.
Use the skin barrier cream as needed throughout the day to help keep your skin moisturized and protected.
It is always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using a new product to make sure that it does not cause any irritation.
A good skincare routine that includes a skin barrier cream WILL help to repair your skin.
Be sure to choose non-irritating products, without alcohol, fragrance, or unnecessary preservatives.
And allow at least 30 days to see an improvement.
If you enjoyed this post, please read more on our Top 10 Summer Skincare Tips.