The outer barrier of the skin protects our skin against daily wear and tear. Every day lots of environmental aggressors affect our skin and our skin loses lots of its moisture and nutrients. So your skin barrier must remain intact as it can act as a shield. A damaged skin barrier means early ageing, bad skin health and lifeless skin. It also causes dryness, irritation and breakouts.
With proper care, you can indeed restore your damaged skin barrier. Today, we are all about how you can fix a damaged skin barrier and restore shiny, glowing and healthy skin.
Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier
To restore the skin barrier, first, you need to know how the skin barrier works. Scientifically, the skin barrier is called stratum Corneum and it is responsible for keeping the bacteria and toxins away. This barrier also locks out pollutants and locks in our skin moisture. Our skin’s natural PH is also maintained by this thin layer. Our skin barrier is composed of ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and lipids. They act as glue, holding the skin cells together.
This is how you know your skin protective shield is down
- Your skin will become dry and flaky. Barrier retains the moisture and when your skin starts becoming excessively dry, pay attention.
- The skin becomes sensitive and starts reacting to products and sometimes even water.
- If you experience inflammation or redness, it could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier.
- As a barrier protects skin against bacteria, its absence will lead to breakouts, rashes and infections.
- If your skin is unusually tight or itchy, your barrier could be damaged.
Common Causes of Skin Barrier Damage
Your barrier gets damaged because of
- Over-exfoliation. Never exfoliate too frequently as it can rip skin off natural oils and chemicals.
- Never use harsh scrubs. Sometimes they can tear the skin and damage the barrier.
- Our skin is slightly acidic. The use of alkaline cleansers can damage the protective wall. The acidic nature of skin protects bacterial growth.
- Don’t Overcleanse because it can also rip the skin off natural oils and protective shields.
- Sun rays can damage the skin wall too.
- Pollution is also a factor in weakening the skin shield.
- Harsh weather also leaves an imprint on your skin, causing the protective layer to weaken.
- The use of alcohol-based products and overly potent ingredients can overwhelm and damage the skin. Even Strong Vitamin C or retinol can be harmful to the skin.
- Washing your skin with too hot water can also damage the barrier.
How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier
Here are a few tricks that can help you restore the natural and healthy state of your skin
- If you already have a damaged barrier, stop exfoliation for some time. To protect it, do exfoliation twice a month.
- Don’t use lots of chemical products in the name of skincare.
- If using the cleanser, use a gentle and pH-balanced cleanser. The Ph level of the product should range closer to the skin’s natural level which is 4.5-5.5.
- Don’t scrub your skin harshly.
- Focus on skin hydration. Use glycerin or petroleum to moisturize your skin.
- Thick nourishing moisturizers can bring back moisture to the skin.
- Avoid irritants and use fragrance-free products.
- Don’t use products with alcohol as it can dry your skin.
- Be patient with your routine.
Key Ingredients for Skin Repair
Now is a time to understand which ingredient is responsible for what in the skin and how they can help in restoring damaged skin barrier.
- Ceramides are the building blocks of the skin. They help lock up moisture and protect skin from environmental damage. You can use specific products that contain ceramides to help your skin repair back its protective shield.
- Vitamin B3 reduces inflammation and soothes skin irritation. It is both anti-inflammatory and hydrating. You can use hyaluronic acid products to draw moisture into the skin.
- Fatty Acids and Cholesterol restore the lipid barrier.
Here is how to protect your skin barrier while it heals
- Use proper sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentler on compromised skin.
- In dry weather, keep the air moist using a humidifier to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
- Drink lots of water to maintain hydration levels inside out.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Well, this depends on how much your skin barrier is damaged. A damaged skin barrier can start improving within a few days. With proper care and protection, skin has a natural ability to heal itself. However, the severe damage may take up to a few months to fully heal up.
This is when you know when your barrier is restored and your skin is fully healed
- It feels balanced. It won’t be too dry or too oily but smooth, glowing and hydrated.
- Your complexion will look radiant and your skin will look lively.
- The natural resistance of your skin will increase. You won’t experience burning or tingling sensation, stinging or inflammation.
- Your skin won’t look excessively red or irritated.
- It will feel soft, supple and well-hydrated.
In short, the skin barrier can get damaged but with proper care and maintenance routine, you can repair back damaged skin barrier within a few weeks.
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