How To Repair Your Skin Barrier

Keeping your skin hydrated and protected is the primary function of the skin barrier, and maintaining the strength of your skin barrier is vital to maintaining healthy skin.

What Is A Skin Barrier or Hydrolipid Barrier?

The skin barrier also known as a hydrolipidic film barrier or hydrolipid barrier keeps the skin hydrated and prevents moisture loss, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. The hydrolipid barrier is made up of skin cells that are connected by lipids and contains natural moisturisers, fatty acids, and ceramides, all of which are essential for the skin's health.

The skin barrier is important as it’s responsible for protecting the skin from external factors such as UV rays, chemicals, pollutants and any other external threat that can damage the skin. Another main role is to prevent water loss, thus if your skin is feeling dry and sensitive, it could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier.

What is a Broken Skin Barrier?

A damaged or broken skin barrier is where there’s no longer a firm connection between the cells of the skin. As a result, external threats can be absorbed more easily into the skin, leading to the loss of more water and causing even more irritation. This also means that the skin barrier is no longer able to keep hold of the essential substances such as fatty acids and cholesterol that help to maintain the integrity of skin cells.

5 CAUSES OF A DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER

1. Over cleansing or excessive exfoliation
Using cleansers with active ingredients or fragrances excessively can dry out the skin making it irritated and tight which can comprise the skin barrier.

Make sure to always check the directions on the product packaging to ensure that you are using the products correctly for best results.

2. Environmental Conditions
A damaged skin barrier can be caused by your environment as extreme temperatures, pollution, and UV rays can damage skin cells and lipids, which makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture and defend itself.

3. Medical conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis may require treatment with certain medications if advised by a medical professional, which can cause dryness and itchiness contributing to a broken skin barrier.

4. Lifestyle factors
A poor diet high in fat, salt and sugar, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can significantly damage the skin barrier due to inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutritional deficiencies.

5. Ageing
With ageing, the hydrolipid barrier starts to thin out and lose its ability to hold on to moisture due to a decrease in our skin's natural oils and lipids, which keep it supple and hydrated. This can lead to dryness, roughness, itchiness, and even increased risk of infection.

Make sure to always check the directions on the product packaging to ensure that you are using the products correctly for best results.

9 DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER SYMPTOMS

Damage to the skin barrier can manifest in a variety of symptoms such as:

1. Dry, patchy skin

2. Flaky, uneven texture

3. Sensitivity

4. Redness

5. Itchy skin

6. Inflammation

7. Dull looking skin

8. Prolonged wound healing

9. Skin infections

5 tips on how to repair the skin barrier

1. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and focus on incorporating ingredients such as Ceramides or Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine which are known for their ability to improve skin plumpness and restore natural moisture levels.

2. If you have delicate, sensitive skin, ensure that you aren’t using exfoliants on a daily basis as this can strip the skin of its natural oils and irritate it further.

3. Be careful not to overuse products that contain ingredients such as alcohol or fragrances.

4. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve skin function and maintain a healthy skin barrier as a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and fatty acids can boost skin health and resilience.

5. Ensure that you wear sunscreen on a daily basis to help limit and prevent further damage to your skin barrier from UV rays. A benefit to having SPF in your daily moisturiser is you get to keep your skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun.

Restoring a damaged skin barrier takes time and patience, and consistent care is key.

NIVEA’S SKIN BARRIER REPAIR ROUTINE

A simple and gentle skincare routine is what you need to get started on repairing your skin barrier. Explore the NIVEA Cellular Expert Range that has hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid that intensively moisturises your skin. Try incorporating these products into your daily routine for best results in improving your skin barrier function.

1. Cleanse

In order to effectively repair the skin barrier, refrain from using cleansers that contain harsh ingredients that can disrupt the natural oils present in the skin. Instead, prioritise using hydrating cleansers such as the NIVEA Sensitive Cleansing Milk. This cleansing milk helps to mitigate symptoms such as redness, tightness, and dryness, while preserving the skin's natural moisture levels.

2. Hydrate

The key to repairing your skin barrier is keeping it hydrated. A great place to start is by using a hydrating face sheet mask after cleansing, like the NIVEA Cellular Expert Pure Bakuchiol Sculpting Face Sheet Mask. Infused with restorative ingredients like pure Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid, this mask will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

For even more hydration, use a nourishing moisturiser like the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Day Cream that intensively hydrates and strengthens the skin. Pair this up with the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Night Cream at night time for best results.

3. Sunscreen

One of the most vital steps in repairing your skin barrier is giving it the protection it needs from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is a must-have in your skincare routine as it acts as a shield, protecting your skin from damage, while also strengthening your skin barrier.

Explore NIVEA Sunscreen

When a damaged skin barrier is repaired, the skin will feel more nourished and soft to touch with less dryness, redness, and sensitivity. Once you have built up your skin barrier’s strength, you can look to incorporate active ingredients such as acids like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Retinol more frequently.

PRODUCTS TO HELP REPAIR YOUR SKIN BARRIER

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