What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Is your skin feeling dry, irritated, or just not its best lately? You might be dealing with a damaged skin barrier. The skin barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health by protecting against environmental aggressors, locking in moisture, and keeping irritants out. When this barrier is compromised, your skin becomes vulnerable, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and even breakouts.
In this post, we'll explore what damages the skin barrier, how to spot the signs of a compromised barrier, and which Wildcraft products can help you restore it to its natural, healthy state.
What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of your skin. It functions like a protective shield, keeping moisture in and harmful elements out. Think of it as a brick wall: the skin cells are the bricks, and the lipids (fats) between them are the mortar. Together, they form a strong defense against external threats.
Signs of a damaged skin barrier
When your skin barrier is compromised, it shows in various ways, including:
- Dryness and tightness:Â Your skin feels parched and uncomfortable, even after moisturizing.
- Flaking and peeling:Â You notice visible flakes and your skin may start to peel.
- Redness and irritation:Â Your skin appears red, inflamed, and more sensitive than usual.
- Increased sensitivity and breakouts: You’re experiencing more frequent breakouts, and products that usually work for you might suddenly cause irritation.
What causes a damaged skin barrier?
Harsh weather conditions:Â Cold, dry air, and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to a weakened barrier. As the weather cools, the lack of humidity in the air means your skin has to work harder to stay hydrated, making it more prone to dryness and irritation.
Over-exfoliation and other harsh products: Exfoliating too often or using harsh skincare products can disrupt the delicate balance of your skin. While exfoliation is beneficial in moderation, overdoing it can strip away the natural oils and proteins that keep your barrier intact. Similarly, products with synthetic fragrances or strong chemicals can be too harsh, leading to further damage.
Lifestyle factors also play a significant role in skin barrier health. Stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can weaken your skin’s defenses, making it more susceptible to damage. Skimping on hydration, both internally and externally, further compromises your skin’s ability to protect itself.
How to repair your skin barrier
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate:Â One of the simplest ways to support your skin barrier is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish your cells from the inside out, keeping your skin plump and healthy. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.
2. Simplify your skincare routine:Â Less is often more when it comes to skincare. A streamlined routine with gentle, barrier-friendly products can help you identify which ingredients work best for your skin. Avoid layering too many active ingredients at once and focus on products that soothe and hydrate.
3. Use a gentle cleanser:Â Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable. Instead, opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser that cleans without compromising your moisture barrier.
Customers love:
Wash Oil Cleanser
This gentle, oil-based cleanser uses frankincense essential oil and olive oil to cleanse while nourishing the skin, helping to maintain its natural moisture balance and support barrier repair.
4. Moisturize with plant oils:Â Moisturizers with plant-based oils like sunflower oil, squalane, and jojoba oil can provide the nourishment your barrier needs to heal and protect itself. These oils mimic the natural lipids in your skin, helping to restore moisture and support barrier function.
Restore Face Cream
Powered by organic rosehip and calendula-infused sunflower oil, this cream deeply hydrates and restores dry, dull skin, making it perfect for repairing and strengthening your skin barrier.
Caring for your skin barrier is the key to keeping your skin happy and healthy. Check out our full collection of barrier-supporting products to help restore and protect your skin.
