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Skincare 101: Steps To Repair Your Skin Barrier

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The importance of maintaining a healthy skin barrier cannot be overstated. However, improper skincare routines, such as the use of harsh active ingredients and acids, can pose risks of damaging the skin barrier, leading to inflammation and irritation. I happen to be one of those who have experienced a damaged skin barrier, and it reached a point where I completely gave up. However, I believe that knowledge is power. Hence, I’m sharing these tips with you to repair a damaged skin barrier and restore your skin’s health and vitality.

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Understanding the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin that protects against harmful substances from damaging the skin, but this layer is quite delicate. Excessive cleansing or exfoliation, as well as mixing and matching various active ingredients in multiple skincare products at once, can invite damage to the skin barrier and make it prone to infections, irritants, and allergens. Common signs include skin redness (a sign of inflammation), itching, peeling, and dryness.

Example of damaged skin barrier. Source: Face Dr.

Ingredients for Repairing Your Skin Barrier

According to Dr. Gladys Teo, the Head of R&D at Singapore beauty brand ést.lab, common ingredients that can be used to treat this issue includes:

Ceramides: Typically found in the formulations of various skincare products, ceramides are a type of lipid naturally present in high concentrations in the outermost layer of the skin. Therefore, they can replenish, nourish, and repair damaged skin, as well as lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated.

If you’re keen to try, ceramides is one of the key ingredients in Elegance Supreme Hydrating Ultra-Light Sunscreen. This sunscreen boasts a light texture, glides smoothly onto the skin, and aids in moisturizing while offering protection from hot weather.

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Centella Asiatica: This is a medicinal ingredient traditionally used to treat skin diseases and wound healing. Scientific research has proven its wound-healing properties and found that bioactive compounds, such as asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside, are the main compounds for anti-inflammatory effects.

Local brands like Kayman incorporate ingredients like Centella Asiatica in their formulations. Their Skintella Moisturising Gel has garnered numerous positive reviews, demonstrating its ability to improve the skin barrier, moisturize, and provide a soothing effect.

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Plant Oils to Restore a Damaged Skin Barrier

Some types of plant oils can help repair damage to the skin barrier and also prevent it from losing moisture. They also have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Some of the most effective plant oils for use on the skin include:

Jojoba oil
Coconut oil
Almond oil
Argan oil
Borage oil
Rosehip oil

Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Simplify your daily skincare routine by reducing the number of products you use simultaneously. Overloading your skin with too many products can inadvertently weaken its barrier. A basic skincare regimen typically includes cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF.

The initial trigger for damaging my skin barrier was using a chemical exfoliant when my skincare routine wasn’t solid enough. Now, I’ve returned to basics with just an oil cleanser, regular cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. You can also seek guidance from a dermatologist or skincare expert to identify essential and effective products for your skin type.

Love Your Skin

As skincare trends progress, the emphasis turns toward repairing and nurturing the skin barrier, a crucial element of overall skin health. By integrating gentle, nourishing ingredients and streamlining skincare regimens, people can attain optimal skin health and resilience. Moreover, remember to embrace your skin as it is. Acne and other skin issues are common, so be gentle with yourself. Keep in mind that a healthy skin barrier lays the groundwork for radiant, glowing skin.

Text By Zaharah Roslan