Our skin is a complex and sophisticated organ. It has numerous layers to safeguard our body from external environmental stimuli or microorganisms. To keep our skin healthy and functioning regularly, we have a barrier layer, often known as the "skin barrier." 

If you want to understand more about the skin barrier, how to maintain it healthy, how to prevent a broken skin barrier, and what to do if it is accidentally injured, read the entire article.

Our skin barrier is a component of the stratum corneum or the top layer of our skin. It comprises corneocytes (skin cells) and a lipid interface connecting them. It is also known as the "brick-mortar" structure because corneocytes are the bricks and the lipid interface is the mortar. 

Free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides make up the lipid interface. In its optimal form, the skin barrier will shed its top layer, where our skin naturally exfoliates itself, maintain our skin's hydration, and prevent allergens from entering and creating irritation.

What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?

When lipids (natural fats that support our skin) are broken down, they destroy our skin barrier. This issue can happen for a variety of reasons. 

 These reasons include genetic, age, and environmental elements that, let's face it, are mostly beyond our control. So, here are a few things to keep an eye out for if you want to keep your skin barrier in tip-top shape. But there's also our skincare and sleeping habits to consider.

• Too hot or too cold water. Use lukewarm water on your skin. You can damage your skin's natural oils if it's too hot. The filth and grime may only be removed if the water is warm enough.

• Sun exposure. We may be continuously harping on the need for sunscreen, but it's for a good purpose (promise!). We must emphasize how effectively it protects against UV radiation and its skin-damaging effects.

• Exfoliating excessively. Pay attention if you enjoy using exfoliators. It is easy to overdo it. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, and take a break if your skin gets red, dry, or flaky.

• Your sleeping pattern. If you've ever woken up with puffy, tired-looking skin after a night of tossing and turning, you now know why. Nothing beats a good night's sleep to fortify the skin barrier.

• Using an excessive number of active substances. While AHA, retinol, and acne treatments can benefit our skin, it is possible to overdo it by using too many active chemicals at once. This is due to the high concentration of active skincare components. If they irritate you, consider lowering how frequently you apply them, rotating them, or spreading them throughout the week. If in doubt, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

How to repair a damaged skin barrier?

So, what should you do now that it has occurred? We've included some pointers for each stage and what to do if your skin barrier is compromised.

1. Determine the root cause

Yes, it's more complex than it seems. Still, after you've narrowed down any potential causes (mainly if it's related to your skincare habits), it's much easier to address and avoid from happening again. Examine each of the reasons mentioned above points. Have you been exfoliating or washing too much? How is the air quality or your sleep?

2. Limit the frequency and duration of face cleansing.

While water is vital to maintain our skin functioning correctly and moisturized, it may also dry out our skin and cause more harm. As a result, wash your face just once or twice a day with lukewarm water and moderate, low pH cleansers that will not aggravate the loss of lipid barrier on your skin.

3. Stop exfoliating for a while

Stop exfoliating if your skin barrier is weakened! This will allow your skin's skin barrier to repair. Once your symptoms have subsided, you may gradually add exfoliation into your routine. 

4. Moisturize 

The most important step in your skincare program, especially at this time of year. Restoring hydration alone will not be enough since it will rapidly evaporate through the injured skin's moisture barrier. As a result, sealing it with your moisturizer is critical; while your skin is losing more water than usual, you only want to keep water in your skin for as long as possible. Ceramide, Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Fatty Acids are the best ingredients to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy.

5. Don't experiment with new skincare products.

When your skin isn't at its best, it's not a good idea to experiment with new products because your skin is prone to irritation and may react to the new product. Ingredients have a higher chance of irritating your skin and exacerbating inflammation; thus, avoid experimenting with new products during this time.

6. Keep your skincare routine as basic as possible.

Yes, always stick to the fundamentals. This decreases the likelihood of irritation on already inflamed skin. Cleanse, moisturize, and protect to maintain a healthy skin barrier at its weakest. These three steps are critical while your barrier is healing. Any extra hydration from toner and/or serum is a plus, but make sure you're comfortable with the serum you're currently using.