Is your skin uncharacteristically dry, flaky, or irritated? If your skin barrier sustains damage, it can't function properly, often leading to an influx of issues.
So, how do you know if your skin barrier is damaged? Keep reading to find out.
Key Takeaways
- The skin barrier is the outer layer of skin that protects your skin from the outside world.
- Things like moisture loss, environmental factors, or UV radiation can lead to a damaged skin barrier.
- To heal your skin barrier, it's important to avoid hot water, use mild cleansers, apply sunscreen, and keep your skin moisturized.
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What Is Your Skin Barrier?
Before you start revamping your skincare routine, it's important to know what the skin barrier is. Your skin and skin barrier aren't the same thing, and it's important to understand this distinction.
Your skin barrier is the outer layer of your skin, made up of dead skin cells, lipids, proteins, and fats that protect the rest of your skin and body from the environment. Basically, your skin barrier acts like a security guard. Your skin barrier is part of your stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin.
A healthy skin barrier is able to retain water and keep out harsh chemicals or bacteria. But a damaged or compromised barrier can't do its job as effectively.
What Can Damage Your Skin Barrier?
So, what can lead to a compromised skin barrier? There are a few things that can damage your skin barrier.
Many times, skin conditions like acne, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea can lead to skin barrier damage. Other times, it's the things you do (or don't do) that can lead to a compromised skin barrier.
Here are a few examples:
- Using harsh cleansers or soaps
- Over-exfoliating or being too aggressive to your skin
- Not using a moisturizer or sunscreen
How to Know if Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged
Many times, if you are experiencing issues with your skin, it's likely because of skin barrier damage. For example, if your skin has developed dry patches or acne out of the blue, these changes could be the result of a compromised protective barrier.
Some damaged skin barrier signs include:
- Acne
- Scaly, flaky, or dry skin
- Inflammation or redness
- Irritation
- Increased sensitivity or tenderness
- Stinging, especially when applying skincare products
If your skin has one or more of these issues, it might be time to start repairing your skin's protective barrier.
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How to Heal a Damaged Skin Barrier
There are a few ways you can heal a damaged skin barrier. These tips will also help you protect a healthy skin barrier if you don't have any signs of damage.
#1. Use Warm Water (Not Hot Water)
When washing your face or taking a shower, be sure to use lukewarm water.
Hot water will strip the natural oils from your skin. These oils are what keeps your skin protected and moisturized.
#2. Use Cleansers and Soaps With Soothing Ingredients
The soaps and cleansers you use (including body washes) can be drying to your skin.
It's important to use products with gentle and soothing ingredients that support skin barrier function.
#3. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Over-exfoliating can cause micro-tears in the skin barrier. If you use a physical exfoliant, make sure it doesn't contain microbeads. Instead, natural exfoliants like coffee grounds or bamboo beads can cleanse and buff the skin without causing issues.
Our Daily Enzyme Scrub or Coffee Exfoliating Scrub are great places to start. They're gentle yet effective, helping your skin feel refreshed and strong without stripping away the natural oils.
Keep in mind to be careful with chemical exfoliants, as well. Certain active ingredients like AHAs or BHAs can be too harsh on sensitive skin.
#4. Apply Sunscreen
Even if it's a cloudy day or you'll be inside, apply your sunscreen!
Sun protection is a key part of any skincare routine. Sun exposure can compromise your skin's protective barrier, so don't skip this step.
#5. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
The skin barrier is sometimes called the moisture barrier, which should tell you how important moisturization is for a healthy skin barrier. Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is a telltale sign of skin barrier health.
It's important to keep your skin hydrated with a moisturizer or cream. It's also a good idea to use a body oil or eye cream to target specific areas or concerns.
The Bottom Line
Over time, it's normal for your skin to change. It's part of being human! As your skin changes, it's important to keep up with it. That means adapting your beauty routine to keep your skin healthy and happy.
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People Also Ask
How do you know if your skin barrier is broken?
A broken or damaged skin barrier may have dryness, flakiness, irritation, redness, or acne. It may also be more sensitive than usual.
It's important to take care of your skin and use natural products that nourish and soothe the barrier.
How do you fix skin barrier damage?
If you have skin barrier damage, you need to change your skincare routine in order to heal and protect your skin barrier. It's important to use a gentle cleanser and a rich moisturizer morning and night and to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
Additionally, you should focus on healthy habits, including proper sleep, hydration, and diet.
How long does a damaged skin barrier take to heal?
The amount of time it takes a damaged skin barrier to heal will depend on a few factors, including your genetics, skincare, and lifestyle. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.
Through it all, it's important to stay patient! Results will never be instant, and you will need to be consistent and dedicated to your skin health.
Can your skin barrier repair itself?
Yes, technically, your skin barrier can repair itself. Your skin naturally sheds and regenerates skin cells, which allows it to repair itself from damage.
However, this may be a slower process than if you help it out with a plant-based skincare routine.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
