How to Repair Your Skin Barrier

Our skin barrier is also known as the epidermis. The epidermis is, put simply, the outer layer of our skin, which is made up of multiple ‘sheets’ of cells. it protects the delicate, deeper layers of skin through a makeup of lipids, fats and skin cells. Lipids are especially important because they act as our skin’s moisture barrier. The skin barrier works in tandem with the microbiome, an ecosystem of both good and bad bacteria that create a healthy balance in the skin.

Our skin barrier has two main functions. The first is to keep in the things our body needs, like water and a healthy PH balance. The second function is to form a protective barrier against harmful irritants, like oxidative stress and bad bacteria. A strong skin barrier decreases inflammation and helps our skin to look and feel more hydrated, firmer and brighter.

A damaged moisture barrier can have serious consequences for the appearance and feel of our skin. When the epidermal is weakened our skin loses moisture. This process is called ‘trans-epidermal water loss’. Symptoms that result include early ageing of skin. Lines, wrinkles and sagginess can all occur and become exaggerated when our epidermis is damaged. Alongside this, a rise in inflammation can result from bad bacteria being let through. Inflammation affects redness, itchiness and rosacea. Those with acne-prone skin are also more likely to experience breakouts when their skin barrier is damaged.

Fear not – there are proactive steps you can take to ensure a healthy and strong skin barrier, no matter how dry the day is. Knowing how to repair your damaged skin barrier is as simple as curating a regenerative skincare routine. Make sure to include products that include potent ingredients like antioxidants, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These hero ingredients help to infuse the deeper layers of our face with moisture and improve skin’s elasticity.

The first step in maintaining your skin’s barrier is to cleanse well. Cleansing gently is key here. Your protective top layer can be compromised through friction (like rough rubbing). Our Crème Mousse Confort face Cleanser has a non-drying formula that works in tandem with your skin. Potent, nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil and salicylic acid come together in a creamy texture that works gently to leave skin fully cleansed.

Include this product at the start of both your morning and evening skincare routine. Apply a small amount to clean, dry hands and gently rub onto a wet face, rubbing in circular motions to encourage micro-circulation. Rinse off with lukewarm or cold water to avoid irritating skin.

Step 2: Use a potent serum

Using a serum that contains active ingredients is your next important step to creating a strong skin barrier. Serums have a lightweight texture and a high concentration of potent ingredients that specifically target dry, flaky, and even acne-prone skin. The Advanced Gènefique facial serum is packed with pre and probiotic ingredients, which works to directly improve your skin’s microbiome. A combination of 3 prebiotic and 4 probiotic inclusions will improve resistance to harmful irritants and generate younger looking skin.

Use Advanced Génifique directly after cleansing and exfoliating, in both your morning and evening skincare routine. Apply a dropper amount to hands and press firmly but gently into clean, dry skin. Spread any excess product across your face and neck, working out and upwards from the centre. After 7 days fine lines and wrinkles are noticeably decreased and skin tone looks radiant and even.

As the final step, reinforce your skin’s barrier with a deep moisturiser. For most effectiveness, use a moisturiser that also contains active ingredients. Our Hydra Zen Glow Liquid Moisturiser is infused with hyaluronic acid and 14 amino acids to lock in moisture. Providing 24-hour hydration, Hydra Zen will leave skin instantly rejuvenated. Contains a soothing affect that decreases redness and inflammation.

Apply Hydra Zen as part of your morning and evening skincare routine, after cleansing and using a serum. Deposit 2 to 3 pumps onto your face and neck and spread across skin until the product is fully absorbed.

Now that you understand how to repair and protect your skin barrier, learn the latest about Face Mapping Technology in Skincare.