Using an irritating product, being exposed to the sun, or eating something you shouldn’t affect the skin in numerous ways. One moment, your skin feels soft, supple, and bouncy—then the next thing you know, it’s red and irritating. So how do you nourish it and help it heal? Here are a couple of tips for repairing a damaged skin barrier.
What Is the Skin Barrier?
Also known as the stratum corneum, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. It’s a combination of skin cells and fat cells, which create a layer that protects the deeper sections of the skin and your internal organs. It’s meant to prevent moisture loss while protecting your skin from the sun and other environmental factors.
Damage to the skin barrier can result from over-exfoliation, harsh chemicals, irritants, or allergens, which can cause an irritated and compromised skin barrier. It can also re\sult from improper skin-care product use, pollutants, and unprotected sun exposure.
Tips for Skin Barrier Repair
So what are some tips for repairing a damaged skin barrier? It all comes down to how you cleanse your skin, replenish and nourish it, and use preventatives for aftercare. Let’s take a look at what can reduce damage symptoms.
Remove Irritating Skin-Care Products
Depending on your skin type, your skin might react better or worse to some products than to others. Even gentle serums with ingredients such as vitamin C can become irritants in some cases. You also have to consider contact dermatitis—an allergic reaction to a specific substance—or atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. So if you experience irritation and skin damage, avoid makeup for a short period and focus on using hydrating serums containing ingredients such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
Use Hydrating Products
When irritation and sensitivity occur in the skin, it’s vital that you immediately jump into preventative action. Find a nourishing moisturizer that contains ceramides such as glycerin and no harsh ingredients. If you experience prolonged skin dryness and irritation, find products containing hydrating ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and sea buckthorn.
Increase Water Intake
Drinking at least eight ounces of water a day is essential, but this isn’t enough if you go outside regularly, exercise often, or have a busy lifestyle. One of the reasons water is so important is that it helps keep the skin healthy. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it’s more prone to damage from environmental factors. So drinking water will nourish your body and organs and keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Protect With SPF 30
Many people love to sit in the sun and achieve a golden tan, but others might not have the best luck. Sun exposure increases the risk of burning, accelerating aging, and leaving permanent damage.
That’s where sunscreen comes in. It slows down aging and prevents damaged skin in the first place. An SPF 30 sunscreen with titanium oxide or zinc oxide will block out 97% UV rays and prevent further skin damage.
Damaged skin is never a fun experience, so ensure you adequately nourish and protect your skin. Your skin will thank you in the future.
Alex is a passionate fitness enthusiast dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. He encourages small – sustainable changes over drastic transformations and works with people to create customized wellness plans. His mission is to help others benefit from the most effective methods available, sharing tips, strategies, and health & fitness tools on Gearuptofit.com to inspire people to live their best lives.
