If you’re suddenly suffering from dry, irritated and sensitive skin it’s possible your skin barrier could be compromised. Fear not though, a damaged skin barrier can happen to the best of us, even devout skincare enthusiasts! Thankfully it’s possible to fix a damaged skin barrier – as long as you know how! Keep reading as we talk all things skin barrier, from what it is, to how to fix it and the best tips and products to use.

Firstly though when exactly is your skin barrier?

Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin. You could call it your ‘shield’ as it literally serves as a protective barrier against the outside world! Be it environmental toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances.

Technically knows as the stratum corneum, it’s a complex system of lipids, proteins and cells which not only protects your face from external aggressors but helps retain moisture in your skin keeping it hydrated and healthy too.

What causes a damaged skin barrier?

Unfortunately our skin barrier can be very fragile and several factors can compromise or damage it, these include;

Harsh soaps and skincare products.

Using products that contain harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.

Hot water

Yes, something as simple as washing your face with water that is too hot can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to dryness and skin sensitivities.

Sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can seriously damage the skin barrier and lead to premature ageing.

Environmental pollutants

Everything from air pollution and cigarette smoke to the weather and blue light from our screens can cause havoc with our skin.

Genetics

Some people are just more prone to skin barrier damage due to their genetics unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you are doomed, it just means you need to be more religious about looking after your skin and using specific skincare products to protect your skin barrier.

Age

Our ceramide levels decrease significantly as we age so our skin’s ability to hold onto moisture eventually becomes compromised too.

What is the best way to repair your skin’s barrier?

If your skin barrier is damaged there are several things you can do to repair it including;

Use gentle cleansers

Choose skincare products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

Avoid hot water

Always use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your face.

Make sure you moisturise morning and night

Use a moisturiser that is specifically formulated to repair the skin barrier. Look for products rich in ceramides (an essentially fatty molecule called a lipid which holds your skin cells together, without ceramides there is nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin!). We love Pevonia’s best selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. It rejuvenates skin cells while softening fine lines and wrinkles and replenishing vital nutrients.

Avoid harsh skincare products

Steer clear from products that contain alcohol, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.

Products your skin from the sun, every single day!

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will not only help repair your skin but protect it too and not just from damage to your skin’s barrier but premature ageing as well.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can and will damage your skin’s barrier and lead to premature ageing.

Use skincare products that help combat environmental damage on our skin

If you live in the city, try using products that have been carefully formulated to combat environmental damage. We love Phytomer’s CityLife Collection.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can help support the skin barrier and keep it healthy!

Stay hydrated

Having a damaged barrier often results in a dehydrated complexion from the skin’s deeper layers so it’s vital to replenish that lost moisture with lightweight serums formulated with hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid. Serums have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin layers, whereas moisturisers tend to hydrate the skin’s surface. We highly recommend Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist for that extra boost of moisture.

Drinking plenty of water daily (8 glasses is the recommended amount) is essential too! It will not only help repair damaged skin but help maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier once repaired too!