Skin care experts share tips for restoring healthy skin.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a protective shield from the outside world. The goal is to keep the good things (like moisture!) while keeping the bad things (like bacteria and irritants) out. Healthy skin looks radiant, even in color, smooth and moisturized. However, if the skin barrier is damaged, it weakens, moisture retention decreases, and the skin becomes vulnerable to daily stress. This can cause irritation, itching, sensitivity and dry skin.
We previously looked at some common causes of skin barrier damage and signs of problems with your skin. We also asked what are the best ways to remove existing barriers.
What Causes Skin Barrier Damage?
Several factors can cause the skin barrier to change. The most common causes are harsh products, over-exfoliation, water that is too hot, lack of humidity and pollution, says Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
He adds that lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, stress, an unhealthy diet or taking certain medications can damage the skin barrier. Some people also suffer from skin conditions (such as acne, eczema and psoriasis) that weaken the skin barrier.
Signs of a broken skin barrier
How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier
To repair a damaged skin barrier, it's important to address the cause and then do everything you can to hydrate and nourish your skin again. These expert tips may help.
Switch to a gentle cleanser
Using harsh or abrasive cleansers can strip the surface of your skin of natural oils that are responsible for keeping it soft, hydrated and hydrated. If they are removed, your barriers will be compromised.
"Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser with a consistency that suits your preferences, but make sure it doesn't contain harsh surfactants," says licensed esthetician Erica Choi, founder of Superegg. He added: “Avoid hot water and opt for warm water. After cleansing, gently dry your skin with a soft, clean towel without rubbing.
Double up on your moisturizer
Moisture is key to healthy skin and should be used regularly, even if you have oily skin. In fact, Dr. Gohara says dual moisturizing is beneficial when the skin barrier is weakened or the climate is cold and dry. "To achieve this, use a hyaluronic base with a thicker repair cream on top," she says.
Choi agrees, adding that you should look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and fatty acids, which help increase and maintain skin moisture levels.
Use antioxidants every morning
Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which are known to irritate and damage the skin. They are also responsible for signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and sun spots. Using a moisturizer or serum with antioxidants can help minimize this damage.
Be careful when exposed to sunlight
Additionally, protect your skin from the sun's strong ultraviolet rays by using SPF 30 or higher every day. "Sun exposure makes things worse, including irritation," says board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriskin. “Use every means available to protect yourself from the sun, including protective clothing, hats, shade and, of course, sunscreen.”
Use a humidifier
Dry air can worsen an already damaged barrier, so do what you can to increase the humidity. This means drinking more water, using more humidifiers, and using a humidifier in the rooms you use most often.
"A humidifier moistens the air, creating a more comfortable environment for the skin, especially in dry or low-humidity conditions," explains Choi. "When you're working or sleeping, it's a good idea to have a humidifier nearby." (Be sure to clean it regularly.)
Rethink your beauty routine
Be careful if you notice that your skin is constantly irritated after using certain products. This is a sign that your skin doesn't like the formula or you're using too much product. Dr. Gohara says, "Identify which products may be causing the problem and reduce the amount or frequency of use."
Therefore, avoid using products with harsh active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, enzymes, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide until your skin is healthy again. Use it again slowly when your skin is ready.
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