5 Tips to Help Repair a Broken Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is your first line of defence against external irritants, pollutants, and bacteria. It protects your skin while maintaining hydration, softness, and resilience.

The skin is made up of three key layers; the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the first line of defence for your body and often referred to as the ‘skin barrier.’ It has many functions including:

• Keeps skin hydrated: The top layer of your skin holds in water, keeping it soft, smooth and healthy.
• Creates new skin cells: New skin cells are made at the bottom and slowly move to the surface, replacing old ones over about a month.
• Protects your body: Your skin acts as a natural barrier against the sun, germs, and harmful substances.
• Gives your skin colour: Special cells make pigment that gives your skin its natural colour.

Using cleansers or exfoliators with strong active ingredients or fragrances too often can dry out the skin, leaving it tight, irritated, and vulnerable. To protect your skin barrier, cleanse gently twice a day - morning and night - and exfoliate no more than 2–3 times a week. Always follow the product instructions and keep skin hydrated.

Extreme temperatures, pollution, and UV rays can damage skin cells and lipids, making it harder for skin to retain moisture and defend itself. Protecting your skin daily and supporting its natural defences can help strengthen the skin barrier.

Some skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea may require treatments that can sometimes cause dryness or itchiness, contributing to a damaged skin barrier. Consult a healthcare professional for advice on managing these effects safely.

A diet high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, along with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrient deficiencies - all of which may contribute to a weakened skin barrier.

As we age, the hydrolipid barrier naturally thins, and the skin produces fewer oils and lipids. This can cause dryness, roughness, and sensitivity, making it harder for skin to retain moisture and maintain resilience.

Use moisturisers and serums that contain ingredients like Ceramides or Hyaluronic Acid. These help to restore the hydrolipidic film, boost skin plumpness, and support skin barrier repair.

Avoid daily use of harsh exfoliants, especially if you have fragile skin, as over-exfoliation can strip natural oils and disturb the skin barrier function.

Limit the use of skincare with alcohol, strong fragrances, or other potentially irritating ingredients. Gentle formulations help repair damaged skin barrier without causing further stress.

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats can help strengthen the skin barrier and promote skin resilience over time.

Daily sunscreen shields the skin’s natural barrier from UV rays and environmental stress. Using SPF daily helps to restore the skin barrier while keeping it hydrated.

Cleansing is the essential first step in supporting a healthy skin barrier. It removes impurities, excess oil, and traces of makeup without disturbing your skin’s natural protective layer. A gentle approach helps maintain the hydrolipidic film, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and balanced.

If you’re using a rinse-off cleanser, apply a small amount to damp skin, massage in with gentle circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. For Micellar Water, simply soak a cotton pad and sweep it over your face - no rinsing required. Always finish by patting your skin dry with a soft towel, never rubbing.
 
NIVEA facial cleansers are specially formulated to clean without over-drying, helping your skin stay nourished and comfortable. Whether you prefer a refreshing gel, soothing cream, or hydrating Micellar Water, there’s a cleanser to suit all skin types.

Once your facial skin is gently cleansed, the next step is to support and strengthen your skin barrier with a targeted serum. You want to apply a face serum before moisturiser, while your skin is still damp from cleansing, to enhance its absorption into the skin.
 
To apply it to your skin, use 2 to 3 drops of face serum and gently pad it onto your face and neck. Try gently patting the serum rather than rubbing it, to maximise its absorption.
Then give it one to two minutes to fully absorb before applying a nourishing facial moisturiser.

NIVEA serums are lightweight yet powerful, designed to target specific skin needs such as hydration, brightness, or barrier support. With concentrated active ingredients in fast-absorbing formulas, they deliver visible results while caring for your skin’s natural balance.

While your face needs targeted care, it’s just as important to protect the skin barrier on your body. Daily moisturising helps replenish lost hydration, strengthen the natural protective layer, and keep skin comfortable and resilient throughout the day.

The NIVEA Repair & Care 15% Glycerin and Urea Cream is designed for extremely dry, rough, or irritated body skin, instantly soothing discomfort and repairing visible signs of dryness. With Urea as a potent moisturising agent, it helps prevent moisture loss and keeps skin hydrated for up to 72 hours*. From the very first use, this rich yet gentle cream strengthens the skin barrier, restoring comfort, resilience, and a healthy glow.

^{*Self-score, 41 Volunteers, Measurement 72 hours after 2 weeks use of the product.}

Daily sun protection is important to help maintain a strong skin barrier. UV rays can weaken the hydrolipidic film, causing dryness, sensitivity, and lead to long-term damage including premature ageing. Applying SPF each morning helps defend your skin against these effects, while supporting its natural resilience.

NIVEA’s sun protection range offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defence while caring for your skin with added hydration. Whether you prefer a lightweight facial sunscreen that sits comfortably under makeup, a tinted formula for a natural glow, or a deeply moisturising cream for extra care, there’s a product to suit your routine.

Each formula is dermatologically tested, fast-absorbing, and designed for everyday comfort, so protection never feels heavy or sticky. Using a sunscreen you enjoy applying makes it easier to keep up with daily protection, which is key for maintaining a healthy skin barrier over time.