HomeSkin CareHow to Repair the Skin Barrier If You Have Sensitive Skin

How to Repair the Skin Barrier If You Have Sensitive Skin

The environment, using too many harsh products, and conditions like eczema may all be causes, but the result is the same—a weakened skin barrier. The skin barrier, made up of the outermost layers of the epidermis, can either be healthy—think hydrated and smooth—or unhealthy, showing dry patches, redness or flakes. If you’re experiencing a breakdown in your skin’s barrier, what you apply topically becomes more critical than ever. Take a methodical approach to restore, nourish and strengthen your skin.

Heal With Antioxidants

A damaged skin barrier needs restoration. Step one: Help replace depleted skin lipids by applying oils that are chock-full of antioxidants, such as sunflower and safflower oils, which hydrate with linoleic acid. Beware of heavily fragranced varieties, such as mint or citrus oils, which can irritate sensitive skin. Products containing panthenol—a vitamin B-5 derivative—also work as healing lubricators, as do products with niacinamide, an ingredient that increases ceramide production and restores skin barrier function.

Hydrate Continuously

A damaged epidermis requires moisture, so keeping your face and body well hydrated is critical in the fight to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Reach for creams, lotions and serums that contain moisture-binding humectants, such as glycerin, sorbitol and hyaluronic acid. The latter is also a powerful anti-aging ingredient that locks in moisture and improves elasticity to help you retain plump, youthful-looking skin.

Reduce Inflammation

Harsh chemicals in acne-fighting products, over-exfoliation and retinoid use are all culprits that can inflame conditions like eczema and rosacea. To keep redness and dry, flaky skin at bay, discontinue use of such aggravating products until your skin heals, and then stagger use of anti-acne and anti-aging ingredients to every other day or a few times a week. Ditch cleansers and toners with astringents altogether, opting for those with calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal—a natural anti-irritant—to help soothe redness.

 

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