What Is An Impaired Barrier & How Does That Happen?

In recent years the healthly function of our skin barrier has been compromised with the excessive use of resurfacing products. It wasn’t so long ago high-strength acids and retinols were reserved only for in clinic treatments. But now, with these potent products making their way into our bathrooms, the overuse and misuse is causing more damage than good!

The layering and combining of too many irritating actives onto the skin will compromise the delicate barrier. For instance, combining two exfoliating products e.g., an acid and a retinol or a retinol and vitamin C in one sitting is enough to irritate and inflame the skin, leaving tiny breaks in the skins barrier. If you continue to break down the barrier like this it can lead to a host of skin issues. All of this plus environmental aggressors, stress, poor diet and lifestyle are contributing factors that can lead to the functional breakdown of your skin barrier.

If you’re seeing the signs of a depleted skin barrier, such as sensitised skin (stinging sensations) redness, inflammation, tightness, uneven texture and dullness, it’s time to put down the actives and start rebuilding and fortifying your skin’s shield.

How Do You Repair Your Skin Barrier?

Pair It Back!! We can’t emphasise this enough. Whatever got you to the place of an impaired barrier- stop! Pop down the actives and keep your routine as simple as possible.

Think a gentle cleanser, reparative serums, moisturiser and of course- SPF. Reach for products containing ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and nourishing oils.

Give your skin a few weeks of this gentle approach, and in the meantime take stock of what may have caused your irritation in the first place. Was a single product to blame? Too much layering? Are you using something not suited to your skin type? This investigative work will ensure you avoid future barrier disaster

Think a gentle cleanser, reparative serums, moisturiser and of course- SPF. Reach for products containing ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and nourishing oils.

Best Products To Support And Repair Your Skin Barrier

Doctor Rogers Restore

It’s all in the name. This restorative line of dermatologist designed skincare is our absolute first line of defense when it comes to barrier support. Hypoallergenic, fragrance free, natural with no nasties and packed with the most deliciously nourishing ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. This entire range of skincare will not only repair and rebuild your barrier but improve the overall health and function of your skin.

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1%

We love love love NIOD’S cult Copper Amino Isolate Serum, and now even more so their next generation Copper Lipid treatment (CAIL). This multitasking product will encourage skin into a heightened state of repair- adapting to your skin’s specific needs. A gel like texture that melts into a comfortable oil on application, it will instantly start building and enhancing your skin barrier function. This Pro-collagen, pro-lipid and pro-fat formula is formulated with healing tripeptide copper and squalene. Use in the PM after cleansing and before your moisturiser.

If a water weight serum is more your thing, NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3:1 can be used both day and night for enhanced skin repair.

We love love love NIOD’S cult Copper Amino Isolate Serum, and now even more so their next generation Copper Lipid treatment (CAIL). This multitasking product will encourage skin into a heightened state of repair

NIOD Modulating Glucosides

NIOD coming to the rescue again, this serum is great for those of you experiencing discomfort from an impaired barrier. A soothing and hydrating serum made with bio-active glucosides designed to immediately calm skin- counteracting redness, stinging, burning and itching. A unique treatment that not only minimises discomfort, but protects skin from further irritation, supporting your barrier on the road to recovery.

Medik8 Calm wise Serum

Rely on any product in the Medik8 Calmwise range to soothe irritated or sensitised skin.

Using the power of teprenone (the key ingredient throughout the calmwise range)- proven to reduce red, reactive skin with continued use. A gentle serum that can soothe flare ups and improve and restore your skin’s natural barrier function

Medik8 Clarity Peptides

A best-selling treatment from Medik8- particularly beneficial to skin suffering from inflammation. We commonly recommend this for those prone to breakouts- but with 10% niacinamide, it can offer great support to skin suffering symptoms of barrier impairment- redness, blotchiness and agitation. A multitasking serum with the ability to bring out your most healthy looking skin.

Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil

Nothing feels more nourishing on the complexion than a gentle skin care oil. This cleansing oil is a go-to for us. Ultra-gentle, it dissolves impurities and waterproof make-up as you cleanse. Perfect for even the most sensitive skin types, the nourishing formula features an optimised ratio of essential lipids to replenish the skin’s natural defence barrier. This leaves the complexion soft, supple and protected from everyday irritants. Use alone, or part of a double cleansing ritual.

SPF Broad Spectrum Protection

The golden rule for skin health and preservation is to incorporate SPF into your daily routine. Particularly vital if your skin is vulnerable and suffering from an impaired barrier. UV rays are harmful to our skin, so you want to ensure an SPF Broad Spectrum is included as the final step in your daily line up

We love iS Clinical's Eclipse for its simplicity in formula, and broad spectrum protection

For those wanting protection with a little more skincare properites- look to Medik8's Advanced Day Protect

Superfeast Beauty Blend

As always with skin repair, an inner approach is as important as an outer approach. Lots of colourful fruit and vegetables, hydration, antioxidants, seeds and nuts.

We also get a little help from herbal remedies that support skin health from within. Look no further than the wizardry of Superfeast. Their Beauty Blend formula contains herbs that support the toning, detoxifying and health-giving properties of goji, schizandra, longan and micro-ground pearls (yes, real pearls!) to promote inner and outer radiance. Add to teas, smoothies or hot drinks for a skin loving superboost!