How to repair skin barrier

What is a skin barrier?

Simply put, a skin barrier refers to the top layer of your skin, sometimes known as the moisture barrier. 

It plays a crucial role in protecting you from external aggressors such as pollution, UV rays and harmful chemicals. Your skin barrier also helps in preventing high transepidermal water loss, which refers to water or moisture that is evaporated into the air from your skin. A high rate of transepidermal water loss can dry out your skin and cause flakiness and rough textures.

How do you know if yours is damaged?

Some tell-tale signs of a damaged skin barrier includes:

• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Dehydrated and dull skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Delayed wound healing 

 Why do you experience the above? 

There are many causes that can lead to damage in the skin barrier. This includes long term exposure to harmful UV rays, unsuitable cleansers that strips much needed moisture, or even a lack of sleep and excessive stress! Another common reason also includes over exfoliation. Exfoliating, although encouraged, should only be done 2-3 times per week and not more than that! By overdoing it, it causes your skin barrier to break down as it sheds too many layers of its natural defence, hence compromising its function of retaining moisture and keeping all the bad stuff out! For individuals with sensitive skin, only exfoliate 1-2 times per week. 

How do you heal a damaged skin barrier? 

#1 Use a gentle cleanser

Using a gentle but effective cleanser is definitely going to start your healing process right! In order to remove all remaining pollution and debris that can further damage your skin, opt for a cleanser that is gentle yet does the job of removing makeup, dirt and cleanses pores while not stripping away your skin’s natural oils and moisture! We also recommend doing a double cleanse especially at night, to ensure all stubborn sunscreen and waterproof makeup has been removed before going to bed! 

Try Kaleanser Facial Wash - A gentle gel cleanser that makes washing your face a walk in a park! Kaleanser can remove waterproof makeup and mascara, while detoxifying pores. In addition, it does not cause the dry, stripping feeling after a wash. In fact, it softens and plumps up your skin!  Add Kaleanser to your routine now, finally a facial wash that does not feel like a chore in the morning and night! 

#2 Calm inflammation 

A great way to calm inflammation is to look out for chamomile extracts in the ingredients list! We all know chamomile is great to help relax the body and induce sleep, but it can also be incorporated into skincare due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile can also help in wound healing, as well as calming itchiness and redness of eczema. 

Try Dew Potion Waterless Essence Mist - Made up 100% extracts and zero H20, this potent essence mist packs a punch in hydration while replacing your toner and essence step into one convenient travel-friendly spray bottle! Formulated with a high amount of chamomile extracts, Dew Potion acts as an alternative to steroid creams for eczema as it is great in calming itchiness and inflammation. Use it on the face, arms or body - anywhere you’d like - and see your skin clear up! 

#3  Keep skin hydrated

To properly heal your skin barrier, always put back hydration into your skin! When you have damaged skin barrier, it increases the rate of water loss and evaporation, especially when you are sleeping at night. This causes dry, dull, flaky and dehydrated skin, which can further aggravate redness and inflammation and slow the healing process! 

Try Tea-Tox 20% Probiotics Mask - Formulated with 20% probiotics, Tea-Tox can immediately provide instant relief and reduce redness over time while strengthening your skin barrier and protect against sensitivity! The best part? Our newly improved formula also provides more hydration, guaranteed to give your skin a pamper you so deserve!