There’s been a lot of skin barrier talk in the skincare world. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important? Here’s what you should know about your barrier – and how fortifying it can lead to your healthiest, calmest complexion yet. 

What is the Skin Barrier – and Why is it So Important?

Let’s start with the basics. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is made up of skin cells that are held together by lipids, including fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol. 

What Does the Skin Barrier Do? 

When functioning optimally, the barrier works as the skin’s protective shield against environmental stressors (think pollutants, bacteria, and UV rays) that can harm the skin. As it works to keep these aggressors out, it simultaneously locks moisture in. These key functions make the barrier a vital player in the overall health of your skin. 

Here’s the problem: when the barrier is impaired, it can’t perform these functions properly. A weak barrier won’t be able to properly defend the skin against aggressors or maintain the skin’s moisture levels. This greatly increases your risk of infection, dehydration, and visible signs of damage (which can include – but is certainly not limited to! – irregular texture, dullness, flakiness, reduced elasticity, stinging, and redness). 

Keeping this all in mind, maintaining a healthy barrier is essential for a complexion that both looks and feels calm, comfortable, and radiant. 

How to Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Fine-tuning your skincare routine will put you on the path towards a strong, healthy skin barrier. Here are our top tips for repairing and strengthening the barrier. 

Stick to a Gentle Cleanser

Ditch the harsh face wash – it can aggravate the barrier, and may even strip away the skin’s natural moisture. Instead, reach for a mild, hydrating cleanser that gently washes away impurities without causing any irritation or dehydration. Sensitive skin-friendly formulas will be your best bet. 

Work Hydrating and Barrier-Repairing Topicals to Your Daily Routine

Nourishing the skin with gentle formulas made to hydrate and strengthen is key for restoring and maintaining barrier health. Seek out serums and moisturizers made with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These humectants draw water into the skin to dramatically improve hydration levels, promoting barrier health in the process. 

As far as barrier repair goes, some of the most effective ingredients to keep an eye out for include ceramides and niacinamide. Fatty acid-rich ingredients are also incredibly beneficial. Some standouts include plant oils like cherry kernel, blackberry kernel, and rosehip oils. These types of ingredients are known to strengthen the barrier and support the skin’s ability to retain moisture.    

Avoid Overuse of Exfoliants, Retinoids, and Other Strong Actives

Overusing harsh topicals is a surefire way to weaken your barrier. If you’re actively noticing signs of an impaired barrier, cut out the actives for a few weeks to give your skin a chance to heal. Once your complexion looks and feels healthier, you can gradually work these types of topicals back into your routine. 

References:

Rosso JD, Zeichner J, Alexis A, Cohen D, Berson D. Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner: Proceedings of an Expert Panel Roundtable Meeting. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Apr;9(4 Suppl 1):S2-S8. Epub 2016 Apr 1. PMID: 28936279; PMCID: PMC5608132.