The skin barrier is like your very own personal bouncer protecting your skin from the outside world. When your barrier is functioning at peak performance, it’s like a well-trained security team. But when things go awry, it’s hard to regain control and calm the storm. So, let’s dive into the sneaky culprits behind an impaired skin barrier and the telltale signs that something’s amiss.
What Causes an Impaired Skin Barrier?
The Skin Saboteurs
Harsh ingredients like alcohols, fragrances, and sulphates can wreak havoc on your skin barrier. They strip away natural oils, leaving your skin feeling exposed and vulnerable.
The Climate Crisis
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can throw your skin barrier off balance. In the winter, cold air zaps moisture, while the summer sun can lead to excessive sweating and irritation.
Over-Exfoliation
Exfoliating can be a great way to achieve that glow, but too much of a good thing can lead to trouble. If you’re scrubbing away more than your skin can handle, you risk compromising that all-important barrier.
Stress. Yes, really.
Whether it’s work pressure or life drama, stress can trigger inflammation and lead to a compromised skin barrier. When your mind’s in chaos, your skin often follows suit. So take a deep breath and maybe do some yoga.
What’s on Your Plate?
If you are what you eat, then I’m probably 90% iced coffee. If your diet is lacking essential nutrients (like vitamins and healthy fats), your skin barrier may suffer. Think of your skin as a plant: without the right nutrients, it’s not going to thrive. So, don’t skimp on those greens and healthy fats — they’re the fuel your skin needs to keep that barrier in top shape.
This is a sign (of an impaired barrier).
Now that we’ve identified the troublemakers, let’s turn our attention to the warning signs. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to give your skin some serious TLC.
- Dryness and Flakiness
- Redness and Irritation
- Breakouts and Bumps
- A Drama Queen
Where to from here?
A body care routine full of barrier-building ingredients.
Ceramide blend
Barrier-boosting and skin-loving, ceramides are the building blocks that keep your skin strong and healthy. You’ll find this in my new Ceramide Barrier Body Wash and Barrier Body Creme.
Panthenol
A skin soother and moisture-retainer, this impressive ingredient binds water to the skin and can protect against environmental stressors. You’ll find this in my new Ceramide Barrier Body Wash and Barrier Body Creme.
Niacinamide
There’s nothing ordinary about this active ingredient. It balances skin, helps prevent premature signs of ageing, and helps reduce your acne. I call it my show-stopper and pimple-blocker. You’ll find this in my new Barrier Body Creme.
Jojoba oil
This moisturising oil puts an end to your dry patches. Your skin will feel more supple, and your lumps, bumps, and marks will look less obvious. You’ll find this in my new Ceramide Barrier Body Wash.