Using retinol too frequently and at a high concentration stripped away the essential oils on my face, leading to dryness, irritation, and peeling around my mouth. This has weakened my skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to external irritants and moisture loss, resulting in a broken skin barrier with redness and sensitivity. It took me one year and half to find out a routine that soothe my skin and repaired my skin.
But first what’s a broken skin barrier?
A broken skin barrier occurs when the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, is compromised. This layer acts as a protective shield against environmental stressors, pathogens, and irritants while retaining moisture. When it’s damaged, the skin can no longer effectively perform these functions.
Signs of a broken skin barrier include:
- Dryness and Flakiness: The skin may appear rough, scaly, or patchy, as especially the barrier is unable to retain moisture effectively, leading to dehydration.
- Redness and Irritation: The compromised barrier can cause increased sensitivity, resulting in redness, inflammation, and a stinging or burning sensation, especially when applying skincare products.
- Increased Sensitivity: The skin becomes more reactive to external factors like weather changes, pollutants, or harsh skincare ingredients, often leading to discomfort.
- Breakouts or Rashes: A broken skin barrier can allow bacteria and other irritants to penetrate more easily, leading to acne, rashes, or other skin infections.
- Tightness and Itchiness: The skin may feel tight or itchy, often due to a lack of moisture and an impaired ability to protect itself from irritants.
A healthy skin barrier is crucial for maintaining overall skin health. When it’s compromised, addressing the issue with gentle, hydrating, and reparative skincare is essential to restore its function and appearance.
What helped me to repair my skin barrier?
Korean skincare focuses on gentle, hydrating, and soothing products that restore and protect the skin barrier. Key ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica help replenish moisture, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin. Layering lightweight products ensures deep hydration without irritation, promoting a healthy, resilient skin barrier.
Let me take you step by step of I used :
- Cleaning: the Korean double cleansing method involves using an oil-based cleanser Centella followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove impurities by Cosrx with snail mucin.
- Toning: I use a natural toner using rice water hydrates, brightens, and soothes the skin, promoting a radiant complexion with gentle, natural ingredients. Then the infamous Korean snail mucin By Cosrx to add an extra boost of hydration to my face. Tips: use the snail mucin on wet skin always!
- Moisturise: the simplest the better! The best I’ve found so far is the Aestura Autobarrier cream moisturizer, it’s so nourishing and contains no smell.
- SPF: Last but not least sun protection is too often overlooked but very essential to preserve your skin health. Isntree contains hyaluronic acid and spf 50.
When your skin barrier is damaged, it’s crucial to simplify your skincare routine. The less you do, the better. Avoid harsh exfoliants, active ingredients like retinol or acids, and over-cleansing, as these can further irritate the skin. Focus on gentle, hydrating products like a mild cleanser, a soothing moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid trying new products during this time to minimize the risk of additional irritation. Allow your skin time to heal by keeping your routine minimal, ensuring your skin barrier can repair and regain its strength for a minimum of 6 months.
I truly hope I can help someone else with my routine because it took me a year and half to figure out what works and I think I’ve found out a routine that can work for everyone! You’re welcome.
