Key Skin-Care Lesson of the Year: The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier

This year’s biggest skin-care revelation? A strong skin barrier is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Whether it’s the red, itchy skin from overusing active ingredients or the shift towards a more intuitive skin-care routine, skin barrier health is gaining significant attention, with the search term “skin barrier repair” amassing 129.5 million views on TikTok.

In dermatology, the skin barrier refers to the epidermis, says dermatologist Dr. Mary Sommerlad. “It can be compromised by a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include genetic skin conditions like eczema and ichthyosis, as well as high stress and illness.”

Extrinsic factors that can damage the skin barrier include exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as excessive sun or wind, sudden temperature changes (like moving from a heated room to the cold outdoors), chemical irritants in skin-care products (like AHAs and retinoids), and soaps containing SLS. Additional contributors include pollution, smoking, poor sleep, and allergens.

Signs of an Impaired Skin Barrier

Key signs of a compromised skin barrier: difficulty retaining moisture, dry and tight skin, flakiness, irritation or stinging after applying products, acne breakouts, rosacea, and eczema. Skin may also appear redder or darker, feel bumpier and rough, and experience increased itchiness. Those with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable to barrier damage and should be vigilant in maintaining skin health.

As we age our skin’s production of lipids, ceramides, and hydration slows down, which are essential for a robust skin barrier.

How to Repair an Impaired Skin Barrier

Restore and Repair

• Gentle Care: Avoid harsh exfoliants like rough face cloths or scrubs. Use lukewarm water to prevent further irritation. Healing a damaged barrier requires patience, with improvements typically visible in three to four weeks, though longer-term issues may take up to three months.
• Pause Active Ingredients: Temporarily stop using potent actives and reintroduce them gradually once the skin is healthy. Start with one active ingredient at a time—such as retinoids—before adding others like vitamin C or exfoliants. opt for gentler alternatives, such as retinaldehyde (e.g., Medik8’s Crystal Retinal) instead of retinol, and PHAs instead of AHAs.

Lead a Balanced Lifestyle

• Healthy Habits: What you put into your body affects your skin. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fatty foods like nuts, fruits, and fish. Consider taking a high-quality omega oil supplement daily to boost skin resilience and overall health.

1. Use high quality healing/ repairing products such as Sheald Recovery Cream, Hydra-Cool Serum, Reparative Moisture, Pro Heal, Youth Serum and Extreme Protect.