{"id":2634,"date":"2023-01-12T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/?p=2634"},"modified":"2023-05-30T16:27:12","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T15:27:12","slug":"your-skin-barrier-protection-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/your-skin-barrier-protection-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Repair And Protect Your Skin Barrier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Copy-of-2022-03-29-Oily-skin-101_-Oily-Skin-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatment-copy1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2642\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Link to share article here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul 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class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Repair And Protect Your Skin Barrier<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hadn\u2019t heard of a \u201cskin barrier\u201d until recently, we don\u2019t blame you. However, over the past year interest in the term has exploded \u2013 when we last checked, the hashtag #skinbarrier had more than three billion views on TikTok.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, this is one beauty trend that dermatologists are happy to see taking off \u2013 any skincare specialist will tell you that you can\u2019t have happy skin without a happy skin barrier. So, what does your skin barrier actually do \u2013 and how can you protect it? Read on for our expert advice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is your skin barrier?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your skin barrier is made up of skin cells and lipids (the natural oils that keep your skin lubricated and healthy).&nbsp; A well-functioning skin barrier is essential to the health of our skin. Your routine can nurture it by ensuring skin is gently<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/community-wisdom-the-best-cleansers-and-moisturisers\/\"> cleansed<\/a>, hydrated and protected from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-ask-a-dermatologist-pollution-defence-and-protective-skincare\/\"> external pollutants<\/a> and aggressors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is skin barrier care so popular right now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Content about our skin barrier is increasingly high on our social feeds and across industry skincare shelves. The trend lines up with the growth of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\"> retinoid<\/a> use (think<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin\/\"> tretinoin<\/a> that increases cell turnover) and exfoliating acids (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-acids-guide-ahas-bhas-and-your-routine\/\">AHAs and BHAs<\/a>) in our routines. Overuse of these products \u2013 and active ingredients in general \u2013 has the potential to compromise the skin barrier resulting in irritation and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\"> sensitivity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Active ingredients are popular for a reason \u2013 they\u2019re a powerful, effective way to help you reach your skin goals. To keep your skin barrier happy while using these potent ingredients, you just need an expert-approved approach and a basic bit of skincare savvy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If active ingredients in your routine feel like they\u2019re excessively<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\"> drying your skin<\/a> or triggering increased<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\"> sensitivity<\/a>, assess first if this is a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-am-i-having-a-reaction-to-my-skincare\/\"> reaction to your ingredients<\/a> or you simply need to decrease the frequency of active ingredient use until you<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-microdosing\/\"> build tolerance<\/a> and step up your skin barrier protection routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other factors that can damage your skin barrier include:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83e\udd76 Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-pollution-defence-and-protective-skincare\/\">environment<\/a> \u2013 very dry or very humid conditions, extreme temperatures and really cold or really hot weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83e\uddec Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/community-wisdom-mothers-day-how-do-your-genes-influence-your-skin\/\">genetics<\/a>, or an existing skin condition like dermatitis, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-six-things-to-know-about-psoriasis\/\">psoriasis<\/a> or eczema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83e\udde0 Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/the-link-between-mental-health-and-our-skin\/\">mental health<\/a> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/does-stress-affect-my-skin\/\">stress<\/a> causes high cortisol levels, which in turn stresses out your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/the-science-of-your-skin\/\">skin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>The best ingredients for your skin barrier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll let you in on a skincare secret: The reality of skin barrier protection is that you don\u2019t <em>really<\/em> need a buzzy product that screams \u2018skin barrier protection\u2019 on the label.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re already using a gentle<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/community-wisdom-the-best-cleansers-and-moisturisers\/\"> cleanser<\/a> and good quality moisturiser, then the chances are you\u2019ll be using some of the key ingredients that support a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-what-does-healthy-skin-look-like\/\"> healthy skin<\/a> barrier already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Head of Medical,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/meet-the-team\"> Dr Jason Thomson<\/a> summarises the best of what you should look out for, \u201cEssentially all good barrier-protecting moisturisers will include emollients, occlusives and humectants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>EMOLLIENTS:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Soothing and conditioning, emollients likely form the base of your moisturising treatment. Emollients can also be used as a skin-softening soap substitute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 They\u2019re used to treat<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\"> dry<\/a> and irritation-prone skin (and conditions such as eczema and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\"> psoriasis<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Emollients can be water-based (lotions) or have a higher oil-water ratio (ointments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 The higher oil-water ration emollients form a film on the skin that locks in moisture and these are known as occlusive emollients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Examples of emollients include shea butter, allantoin and ceramides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>OCCLUSIVES:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 A group of ingredients that form a protective, physical barrier over the skin to prevent<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\"> water loss<\/a> and seal in hydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Coating your skin in an occlusive overnight is known as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/truth-and-tiktok-skincare-trends-face-icing-dermaplaning-and-slugging\/\"> slugging<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Occlusives are mainly oil-based and can be comedogenic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Examples of occlusives include petroleum, coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>HUMECTANTS:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> \u2b50 A common skincare agent that attracts and retains moisture, pulling moisture from the air into the upper layers of skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Apply your humectant on damp skin for an extra hydration boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Examples of humectants include<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-acids-guide-ahas-bhas-and-your-routine\/\"> AHAs<\/a>, salicylic acid, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to repair your skin barrier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re experiencing redness, sensitivity and dry patches then your barrier could be in need of some repair. First thing\u2019s first \u2013 strip everything back. Your skin is in crisis mode, and it\u2019s time for rest and recovery. Grab a thick moisturiser (the thicker, the better) and the gentlest cleanser you can find (ideally containing any of the ingredients listed above) and stick to this simple regime for at least two weeks. We recommend<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/full-routine\"> Skin + Me\u2019s Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/full-routine\"> Soothe + Smoothe Rich Moisturiser<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pause your active ingredients until your skin is back to normal and reintroduce them slowly \u2013 once or twice a week at first, if you can tolerate it, up until you\u2019re back to your regular routine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re using your Skin + Me <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-getting-the-best-from-active-ingredients-in-skincare\/\">personalised solution<\/a> and feel your skin barrier needs a break, email our friendly Dermatology Support Team at hello@skinandme.com for guidance. It\u2019s always best to speak to your Prescriber before pausing your treatment. What\u2019s more, they\u2019ll give you tips and advice based on your own unique needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to support your skin barrier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Supporting your skin barrier is all about using a simple routine and using active ingredients mindfully. The personalised formula in your Daily Doser evolves in strength as your skin builds tolerance to ingredients like<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin\/\"> tretinoin<\/a> \u2013 so, if you\u2019re using it then you don\u2019t need additional layers of active ingredients in your evening routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">\u2b50<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">Sensitive skin<\/a>? Consider applying active ingredients every<em> other<\/em> day, until you build tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Don\u2019t forget<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-the-sun-guide-freckles-sun-spots-spf-and-makeup-know-how\/\"> SPF<\/a> \u2013 this will protect you from external aggressors that can irritate your barrier further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Remove makeup gently \u2013 lookout for products that include natural<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/community-wisdom-the-best-cleansers-and-moisturisers\/\"> moisturisers<\/a> like glycerin in your cleanser and face wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2b50 Moisturise with the right ingredients. Look out for scientifically-proven skincare heroes in your products \u2013 glycerin, allantoin and ceramides will soothe all<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/get-to-know-your-skin-type-dry-oily-combination-and-more\/\"> skin types<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical facts checked by Consultant Dermatologist,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/meet-the-team\"> Dr Jason Thomson<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edf5f8\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>New to Skin + Me? <\/strong>Get your first month of personalised skincare for \u00a34.99 with promo code DOSE \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/consultation\/sign-up\/create-account\">complete our quick consultation here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking for a routine refresh? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/login?back=%2Faccount-summary%2Fmanage-upcoming-orders\">Add the Dream Routine to your Skin + Me subscription<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In need of a restock? <\/strong>Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/shop\">The Skincare Shop<\/a> for one-off purchases of your Routine Essentials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Skin barrier protection is essentially keeping your skin cleansed, hydrated, shielded from external aggressors and all-round radiant. Here\u2019s how to do it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":179265348,"featured_media":2637,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1942],"tags":[1424,1936,1939,1860,1935,1938,1937,1578,1854,1941,1934,1389,1940,1377,1423],"class_list":["post-2634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-active-ingredients","tag-allantoin","tag-ceramides","tag-cleanser","tag-emollients","tag-glycerin","tag-humectants","tag-microdosing","tag-moisturiser","tag-occlusives","tag-shea-butter","tag-skin-and-me","tag-skin-barrier","tag-spf","tag-tretinoin"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/179265348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2634"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4756,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2634\/revisions\/4756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2637"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}