We frequently consider skincare to be superficial, focusing on smoothness, glow, and possibly treating the odd breakout. However, the skin barrier is actually the unsung hero that keeps our skin strong and healthy.
It's likely that your skin barrier has been weakened if you experience sudden tightness, itching, inflammation, or unusual sensitivity. The good news? You can repair and preserve it—and restore the strength and serenity of your skin—with a little attention and the appropriate strategy.
At Johnson Adult, we think it's important to treat skin with kindness and intention. Let's discuss what your skin barrier is, how it can be harmed, and how to repair it.
What Is the Skin Barrier?
Consider your skin's barrier to be its own personal bodyguard. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin, plays a crucial role in retaining moisture and warding off irritants.
Like bricks and mortar, lipids (fats) hold the skin cells that make up this layer together. Your skin feels soft, looks smooth, and can protect itself from bacteria, pollutants, and inclement weather when it is in good health. However, your skin becomes vulnerable when it is damaged.
Indications That Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged
Are you unsure if you need help with your skin barrier? Here are some typical indicators:
Continuous flakiness or dryness
Irritation or redness
Stinging or burning when using products
Product sensitivity that you were previously able to handle
Tightness or itching
Rough texture or unexpected breakouts
These are your skin's way of saying, "I need a little help, and I need a break."
Why Does the Skin Barrier Get Damaged?
Damage can occur gradually or all at once, and it frequently goes unnoticed. Among the most frequent offenders are:
Excessive cleaning or exfoliation: Excessive washing or the use of harsh scrubs or active ingredients can remove natural oils from the skin and throw off its pH balance.
Using harsh products: Some skin types may find alcohol, sulfates, strong acids, and fragrances to be too harsh.
Environmental stress: Over time, exposure to wind, sunlight, pollution, and dry indoor heating can have negative effects.
Ignoring moisturizer: This leaves your skin dry and vulnerable, especially after cleansing.
Stress and restless nights: Your skin is a reflection of your inner state.
The good news is that, with the correct actions, your skin barrier can recover even if it is damaged.
How to Fix a Damaged Skin Barrier
Think nourishing, easy, and gentle when your skin is in SOS mode.
1. Take Your Routine Off
10-step routines are out of style right now. Stop using highly active serums, retinoids, and exfoliants for a while. Pay attention to products that are hydrating and soothing with few ingredients.
2. Apply a Mild, Non-Stripping Cleaner
Make the switch to a low-foaming, hydrating cleanse such as Johnson’s® Fresh Hydration® Micellar Rose-infused Cleansing Water that honors the natural oils in your skin. Steer clear of anything that causes your skin to feel tight afterwards; that's a warning sign.
3. Use a lot of moisture (and frequently)
This is the best friend of your barrier. Seek out a thick moisturizer that contains the following ingredients:
Ceramides aid in the reconstruction of the skin's structure.
Glycerin attracts moisture to the epidermis
Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration.
Pro-Vitamin B5, or panthenol, calms and fortifies.
Squalane imitates the natural oils in your skin.
If necessary, reapply throughout the day. It will be absorbed by your skin.
4. Use Products on Wet Skin
Don't let your face dry completely after cleansing. Applying your moisturizer while your skin is still wet promotes barrier repair and helps retain additional hydration.
5. Steer clear of harsh ingredients
Anything that contains drying foaming agents, exfoliating acids, artificial fragrances, or strong alcohols should be set aside. Your skin needs a kinder treatment while it heals, even if they used to work for you.
6. Use SPF every day to protect
UV rays can exacerbate a compromised skin barrier, even if you spend most of your time indoors. A broad-spectrum, fragrance-free SPF protects your skin as it recovers.
7. Give your skin time to heal
Don't jump right back into intense activities if, after a week, your skin is still sensitive. Allow your skin to dictate the pace. It responds better the more you listen to it.
6 Ways to Avoid More Damaged Skin Barrier
You should take long-term care of your skin once it is back on track. Here's how:
Use only mild, skin-friendly products.
Avoid over-exfoliation; two to three times per week is sufficient.
After cleansing, always moisturize.
Apply SPF daily.
Drink plenty of water and consume foods that are good for your skin.
Get enough rest and learn how to cope with stress.
To support your skin barrier, we offer a curated range, specifically Johnson's Skin Balance Body Lotion and Johnson's Skin Balance Face and Body Cream, which help balance the skin's pH and restore the skin barrier.
In conclusion, the skin is a remarkable organ because it can remember, react, and—above all—heal. Your skin barrier can recover more robustly than before with a little perseverance and the correct assistance. At Johnson’s we advocate skincare. Giving your skin what it needs at the right time is more important than striving for perfection. And respect your skin's signals that it's exhausted or overburdened right now.