⁠Skin Barrier Repair: Tips and products to strengthen the skin barrier, which is crucial in Singapore's humid and sometimes polluted environment.

You might have heard the term “skin barrier” thrown around on the internet recently, as a buzzword on TikTok or from brands dedicating products to tackle its stability. But what really is a skin barrier? Well, it very well may be the key to addressing your skin issues. 

At the root of skin health, is a strong skin (or moisture) barrier - it holds moisture and prevents chemicals and pollutants from entering the skin. But contrary to what the word “barrier” might imply, the one on your skin is rather fragile and sensitive in nature and can be compromised by external and internal disturbances. Internal factors include chronic stress, illnesses, and genetic diseases such as eczema and allergies. While external factors can include environmental pollutants, chemical irritants, as well as hot and humid environments. 

Especially in Singapore, these external disturbances are exceptionally pertinent. Where humidity can lead to increased moisture loss and pollution can add stress to the skin, maintaining a healthy barrier in Singapore’s environment can be challenging, yet essential.

Signs that your skin barrier is compromised

Dry, flaky skin can be a tell tale sign of a damaged skin barrier. More so if you experience stinging sensations, irritation, or redness in your skin when some products are applied. Texture and bumps can also be a sign of a weaker skin barrier, as well as itchiness and acne. 

How to restore your skin barrier 

Notice any of these signs on your skin? Fret not, let us break down some ingredients that can impair your skin barrier, as well as those that can repair it. It’s best to avoid strong actives like retinoids, salicylic acid, essential oils and sulphates that can be too harsh on your skin. It helps to stick to a simple skincare routine too when restoring your skin barrier. Include products with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help draw moisture into your skin to deeply hydrate it. 

We recommend opting for a gentle cleanser too, like our Kaleanser, formulated to remove makeup, dirt and oil without stripping your moisture barrier. Nourishing serums like our Youth Beam Night Serum that contains hyaluronic acid and tribiotics, strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating greater ceramide production. If you have acne-prone skin, several anti-acne actives may be too harsh on your skin in high concentration. We recommend instead trying Blissful Radiance, a hydrating anti-acne serum packed with 3 types of hyaluronic acid and 5% Sulfur, a gentler active to get rid of blackheads and acne while restoring moisture to your skin.