Skincare that improves the skin barrier

A healthy and strong skin barrier is crucial for maintaining beautiful and healthy skin. What exactly is the skin barrier, and how can you protect and strengthen it through proper skincare? In this text, we dive into everything you need to know about improving your skin barrier with the help of customized routines and products.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier, also known as the outer layer of the skin or stratum corneum, is part of the skin's epidermal structure. It functions as a protective shield that defends the skin against external stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The skin barrier also has a very important task: to retain moisture in the skin and prevent it from drying out or losing its natural oils.

It consists of dead skin cells, lipids, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) that together form a protective layer. When the skin barrier is healthy and intact, it functions as a stable barrier that keeps the skin soft, supple, and resilient against damage. However, when the skin barrier is weakened or damaged, it can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity.

Common causes of a damaged skin barrier

A damaged skin barrier can occur for several different reasons. Often, it's a combination of factors that affect the skin. Here are some of the most common causes.

Over-exfoliation

Over-exfoliation is one of the most common reasons why the skin barrier becomes weakened. Using strong exfoliating products like acids or scrubs too often can break down the skin's protective layer and make the skin more susceptible to irritation and damage. It's important to exfoliate in moderation and choose gentle products, here you can find peeling tailored for the skin barrier.

Strong cleansing products

Cleansing products with strong ingredients, such as sulfates and alcohol, can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural balance. This leads to the skin barrier becoming fragile and losing its ability to retain moisture. Instead of strong cleansers, it's better to choose cleansing that protects the skin barrier.

Sun, wind & cold

Environmental factors like strong sun, wind, and cold weather can also wear down the skin barrier. UV radiation damages the skin deeply, while extreme weather conditions dry out the skin and damage its protective layer. Sunscreen for the skin barrier is therefore one of the most important products for protecting the skin.

Stress & diet

Stress and poor diet can negatively affect the skin from within. When the body is stressed, the skin's ability to repair itself decreases, and an unbalanced diet can lead to a lack of essential nutrients that the skin needs to function optimally.

How to identify a damaged skin barrier

It is not always easy to know if the skin barrier is damaged, but there are certain signs that may indicate problems. If you experience any of the following, it might be time to review your skincare:

• Dry skin that flakes, despite using moisturizing products.
• Redness and irritation after using skincare products that previously worked well.
• A feeling of tightness and discomfort, even after cleansing.
• Increased breakouts or acne-like symptoms.

Skincare that strengthens the skin barrier

Restoring and strengthening the skin barrier is about creating a gentle and effective skincare routine that builds up the skin's natural defenses. Here is an overview of the key product categories and ingredients:

Cleansing

Choosing the right cleanser is crucial for not damaging the skin barrier. Mild, pH-balanced cleansers help to clean the skin without disrupting its natural balance. Double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one can be an effective yet gentle method.

Toners

A hydrating toner for the skin barrier can help restore the skin's pH and prepare it for subsequent products. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol are excellent choices for soothing and hydrating the skin.

Serums

Serums that strengthen the skin barrier with niacinamide, ceramides, or peptides can repair damage and strengthen the skin's structure. Probiotic serums are also a good choice to support the skin's microbiome and reduce inflammation.

Moisturizers

Face cream for the skin barrier with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids helps to build up the skin's protective layer. Occlusive ingredients like shea butter or petrolatum lock in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out.

Sunscreen

Daily sunscreen is a must to protect the skin from UV damage. Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often gentler and better for sensitive skin.

Ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier

When it comes to strengthening the skin barrier, there are certain active ingredients for the skin barrier that stand out:

• Ceramides: Rebuild and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
• Niacinamide: Soothes the skin, reduces redness, and improves elasticity.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Binds moisture and improves skin hydration.
• Probiotics: Strengthens the skin's microbiome and protects against harmful microorganisms.
• Panthenol: Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.

How to build a routine for the health of the skin barrier

A well-thought-out skincare routine can work wonders for a damaged skin barrier. Here is an example of a simple yet effective routine and why the different steps vary between morning and evening.

Morning Routine

The morning routine aims to protect the skin from external factors during the day, such as UV radiation and pollution. The products should also help maintain moisture and give the skin an even and fresh surface.

1. Gentle cleansing to remove sweat and sebum that has built up overnight.
2. Moisturizing toner to balance the skin's pH and prepare the skin for serum and moisturizer.
3. Serum with niacinamide to strengthen the skin's barrier and even out skin tone.
4. Moisturizer with ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the protection.
5. Sunscreen to block harmful UV rays and prevent aging.

Evening Routine

The evening routine is about thoroughly cleansing the skin and providing it with the resources it needs to repair itself overnight, when the skin is most active in its recovery phase.

1. Double cleansing to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt from the day.
2. Moisturizing toner to soothe and hydrate.
3. Repairing serum, such as with peptides, to stimulate the skin's renewal process.
4. Rich moisturizer or night mask that provides intense hydration and nourishment overnight.

Mistakes to Avoid

To protect your skin barrier, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can do more harm than good. Here are some examples:

• Do not use too many active ingredients at once, as it can irritate the skin.
• Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
• Avoid exfoliating too often. Limit exfoliating products to 1-2 times a week.
• Do not continue using products that feel irritating or burning on the skin.

Products that Strengthen the Skin Barrier

To help you strengthen your skin barrier, we have selected some fantastic products that contain ingredients that support the skin's natural functions:

1. Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

This serum combines rice extract and ceramides, making it perfect for hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier. The rice extract brightens the skin tone and provides a more even complexion, while ceramides restore and reinforce the barrier. Its moisture-binding properties from hyaluronic acid help the skin maintain optimal moisture levels and combat dryness and irritation. It's an ideal product for those who want to combine intensive hydration with barrier-strengthening benefits.

2. Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

This toner contains as much as 70% rice extract, providing nourishment and hydration while balancing the skin's pH. The milky consistency is gentle and quickly absorbed by the skin. The rice extract helps strengthen the skin barrier through its soothing and softening properties. It's perfect for sensitive skin that needs extra care and protection against external stressors.

3. Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream

This cream is specifically formulated to strengthen and repair a weakened skin barrier. With a unique blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, it mimics the skin's natural structure, helping to restore protection and improve the skin's moisture balance. The cream absorbs quickly despite its rich texture and is suitable for both day and night use. Its ability to lock in moisture makes it particularly effective for dry and sensitive skin.

4. Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

Formulated with Multi Lamellar Emulsion (MLE) technology, this cream strengthens the skin's barrier by mimicking its natural structure. It is free from irritating substances and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Its moisturizing properties help the skin maintain optimal moisture balance and recover from damage, making it an excellent daily moisturizer.

5. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 (SPF50+ PA++++)

This sunscreen combines high UV protection with skin-caring properties. Rice extract hydrates and soothes the skin while vitamin B5 helps to strengthen its protection. The water-based formula absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky feeling, making it ideal for daily use. This product not only protects the skin against UV rays but also helps maintain a healthy skin barrier through its moisturizing and soothing properties.

Improve the skin barrier and notice the difference

A healthy skin barrier is key to a healthy and radiant complexion. By choosing gentle products, including supportive ingredients, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can give your skin the best conditions to repair and strengthen itself. Implement the steps from this text and experience the difference in your skin's health and appearance.