How to Repair A Damaged Skin Barrier
Understanding the Skin Barrier
What is the Skin Barrier?
The “skin barrier” has become a hot topic in recent years. I am grateful that everyone is finally focusing on it because it used to be an ignored part of skin health and beauty… and it is so critical. The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis and serves a crucial role in maintaining skin health and integrity. Composed primarily of dead keratinocytes embedded within a lipid matrix, it functions as a protective shield against environmental aggressors such as pathogens, pollutants, and harmful UV radiation. Additionally, the skin barrier plays a pivotal role in transepidermal water loss, preventing excessive moisture loss and thereby contributing to overall hydration balance. Promoting skin barrier function is essential for restoring its natural resilience and promoting optimal skin health and beauty. Without a healthy skin barrier, your skin might be: sensitive, reactive, dry, flaky, red, irritated, excessively oily, or acne-prone.
Role of the Skin Barrier in Overall Skin Health
A robust skin barrier is crucial for overall skin health, serving as the first line of defense against external threats. When it’s functioning properly, it helps retain hydration and keeps skin plump and happy. However, when it’s compromised, it can lead to a variety of issues like irritations, infections, and even chronic conditions.
The Structure of the Skin Barrier
Layers of the Skin
The skin is a multi-layered fortress with three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is where you'll find the skin barrier, composed primarily of dead skin cells that have undergone a transformation into protective armor. Below it, the dermis houses connective tissues, sweat glands, and hair follicles, while the hypodermis acts as the cushiony layer that connects the skin to underlying structures. Together, these layers form a protective and supportive system.
Components of the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is mainly made of lipids and proteins, which work together to keep everything in balance. Two key players are ceramides and fatty acids, which act as glue, binding skin cells together and forming a protective shield.
Symptoms of a Compromised Skin Barrier
When the protective skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to a range of skin issues including dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to skin conditions.
Symptoms of Skin Barrier Damage include:
Acne
Scaly or dry skin
Itchy patches
Rough skin
Discolored patches of skin
Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections
Inflammation
Sensitive skin
Dullness
Redness
Dryness
Flakiness
Stinging sensations when applying skincare products
Common Causes of Skin Barrier Damage
Cleansing with surfactant-based cleansers. Anything that foams, bubbles, or lathers.
Excessive or harsh exfoliation.
Retinoid use.
Extreme temperatures like too hot or too cold. Never use hot water on your face.
Allergens.
Irritants and toxins.
Chemical-based skincare products.
Alcohol-based products.
Excessive sun exposure and burning.
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as eczema may further weaken barrier integrity by disrupting keratinocyte cohesion.
Steps to Repair and Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Repairing the skin barrier involves a multifaceted approach that focuses on hydration, nourishment, and protection.
1) Avoiding Triggers
Remove all triggers listed above. This is the first and most essential step to begin.
2) Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A clean, whole food diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, E will help support overall skin health and reinforce its natural protective mechanisms. Aim for a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Stress management - i.e. nervous system regulation will also help prevent damage to the skin barrier, as we know stress breaks down all aspects of our body, including our skin. And don’t underestimate the power of sleep; it’s nature’s best beauty treatment.
3) Adjusting Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating Barrier-Repairing Ingredients
It is essential to incorporate products with emollients, fatty acids, and humectants into your skincare regimen, as these components restore lipid levels and enhance moisture retention. Ingredients to look for include our Snow Mushroom (Tremella) or Cassia Angustifolia (botanical version of Hyaluronic acid - I do NOT recommend using HA on the skin, but taking it internally can be helpful), Raw Honey, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Sterols, Aloe Vera, Probiotics, and various oils, botanicals, and antioxidants.
Avoidance of harsh cleansers and exfoliants is crucial; instead, opt for gentle, balanced oils that support the epidermal layer, like our Radiant River Botanical Cleansing Oil.
Recommended Products for Skin Barrier Restoration
Our full repair ritual can be found here.
We also now have a collection that has all products in one set for you with a FREE full size product.
CLEANSER
Radiant River Botanical Cleansing Oil aids in repairing the skin barrier.
EXFOLIANT
If your barrier damage is severe, take a break from exfoliating for 8 weeks. If moderate, wait 4 weeks until you exfoliate. If mild or after 4-8 weeks, exfoliate gently and only 1x/week maximum when repairing the barrier. Our exfoliants are all gentle and skin barrier safe. My top recommendation is Royal Radiance Dust.
TONER
Using our Probiotic Toning mists for cellular hydration and antioxidants. These bolster the skin’s resilience against oxidative stress while promoting repair at a cellular level.
TREATMENT
After the Rain is the ultimate skin barrier repair and skin condition treatment. It has been clinically proven to regenerate skin and tissue. Studies have shown that it promotes wound healing and modulates the inflammatory phase, which aids in skin barrier repair. Additionally, it stimulates angiogenesis and enhances oxygen metabolism, which are beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair. Choose the Sensitive version for Barrier Repair.
MASK
Our Vanilla Rose Skin Barrier Repair Mask features a glorious array of ingredients all of which repair the skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to repair a damaged skin barrier?
The time it takes to repair a damaged skin barrier can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the steps taken for recovery.
Mild damage typically resolves within 1–2 weeks, with noticeable improvement in hydration and comfort within days 4–7 and full restoration by day 14.
Moderate damage usually takes 2–4 weeks to show significant improvement, with barrier function largely restored by week 4, though some sensitivity may persist.
Severe damage, often due to chronic conditions or aggressive treatments, can take 4–8 weeks or longer, with full recovery potentially extending to several months, especially if underlying issues like eczema or hormonal imbalances are present.
2. Can a damaged skin barrier cause acne?
Yes, a compromised skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation, which may trigger acne breakouts. When the barrier is impaired, it can also allow for the entry of bacteria and irritants that contribute to acne.
3. Can I use exfoliating products or do treatments like peels and microneedling with a damaged skin barrier?
Avoid such treatments when your skin barrier is compromised, as they can further irritate and damage the skin. Focus on gentle, hydrating products until your skin has fully recovered.
