How to know that your Skin Barrier is damaged

How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier with Ceramides and Barrier Repair Products

What to Do When Your Skin Barrier is Damaged?

Actives such as retinols and exfoliating acids have their place in beauty routines. However, the obsession with glass skin has triggered an overzealous use of these actives, leading to sensitized skin and a compromised skin barrier. In particular, the recent Glass Skin make-up trend, created by Pat McGrath, has caused many to overdo it on exfoliation and active ingredients.

Let's face it – glass skin doesn't exist. At NAYA, we want healthy, nourished skin, not skin that’s been damaged or inflamed by overuse of actives. So, how do we restore our skin barrier?

What is the Skin Barrier and What Does It Do?

Most references to the skin barrier focus on the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum. The skin barrier, also known as the acid mantle or moisture layer, is crucial for protecting the skin. It has two main functions: protecting against pollutants, chemicals, and UV radiation, and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to keep the skin hydrated.

If the skin barrier is weakened, it leads to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity – classic signs of a damaged skin barrier.

The Components of the Skin Barrier:

The epidermis contains several essential components:

• Lipids (including ceramides)
• S.A.L.T. (Skin-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) for immune function
• Acid Mantle for moisture retention
• Microbiome to maintain balance and fight harmful bacteria

The epidermis consists of various types of cells:

• Keratinocytes – these are the skin cells that form the “bricks and mortar,” with ceramides and other lipids holding them together.
• Melanocytes – responsible for producing melanin to protect the skin from UV damage.
• Langerhans cells – immune cells that protect the skin from infections.

Why is the Skin Barrier Important?

The skin barrier’s primary role is protection and moisture retention. When compromised, it causes the skin to lose water, leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. The skin’s elasticity diminishes, and it becomes more prone to damage from external stressors like pollution and UV radiation. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is crucial for glowing, hydrated, and even skin.

Signs of Damaged Skin Barrier:
A weakened skin barrier can manifest as:

• Chronic irritation (rosacea, eczema)
• Dry, itchy, and dehydrated skin
• Skin infections or delayed wound healing
• Hyperpigmentation

What Can Damage Your Skin Barrier?

Several factors contribute to skin barrier impairment, including:

• Environmental: Pollution, sun, wind, smoking
• Incorrect product use: Overuse of exfoliants, cleansers, retinols, Vitamin C, and other actives
• Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, poor diet, stress

How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier?

Start with the basics and treat your skin with kindness daily. Repairing a damaged skin barrier requires consistency and using the right products.

1. Pare Down Your Skincare Routine
   If you’re unsure about the products in your routine, it’s best to simplify. Focus on hydration, soothing inflammation, and restoring your skin’s moisture. For a personalized routine, take our skin quiz. Avoid products with drying alcohols, exfoliating acids (like salicylic or glycolic), retinoids, and harsh exfoliants.

2. Cleansing
   Begin with a gentle cleanser like our Everyday Cleansing Oil, which effectively removes pollutants, makeup, and dirt without stripping your skin. It helps protect the natural oils and ceramides that are essential for the skin barrier.

3. Serums and Moisturizers
   For barrier repair, choose products specifically designed to restore the skin barrier. Our Everyday Glow Serum and Aura Essence contain adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract and Silver Ear Mushroom to soothe and calm the skin barrier. These products also enhance skin tone and hydrate, helping you recover from a damaged skin barrier.
   Consider using a skin barrier serum to restore moisture and barrier function. A ceramide skin care routine can work wonders for your skin's health and hydration.

4. Moisturizer
   Use a moisturizer that combines humectants and emollients to repair and protect your skin barrier. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water, helping to rehydrate the skin, while emollients like plant oils and butters soften the skin. Our Everyday Day Cream is an excellent option for daily hydration. Pair it with Cacay Beauty Oil at night to further repair and nourish the skin barrier while you sleep.

5. Minimize Inflammation
   During the repair process, avoid exfoliating actives until your skin barrier is less sensitized. Instead, opt for soothing serums or moisturizers to reduce redness and irritation. The goal is to calm the skin and reduce further damage.

The Role of Ceramides in Skin Barrier Repair

Ceramides are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. These lipid molecules form part of the “mortar” that holds the skin cells together, preventing moisture loss and protecting against external irritants. Ceramides for skin are a key ingredient to restore and strengthen the skin barrier. Whether in a ceramide skin care serum or a skin barrier repair cream, incorporating ceramides into your skincare routine can help your skin stay hydrated, protected, and glowing.

How to Choose the Right Barrier Repair Products

When shopping for products to repair a damaged skin barrier, look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids. These ingredients work together to strengthen the skin’s defense mechanisms, reduce irritation, and boost hydration.
A skin barrier repair cream with ceramides is an excellent choice to restore your skin’s resilience. For more severe cases of barrier damage, a barrier repair serum can offer additional hydration and support.

How to Minimise Inflammation

Skip exfoliating actives until your barrier is less sensitised and use a soothing serum or moisturiser instead. Less products and stimulation will likely always be best for sensitive skin.

Overall Skin Health

Your skin will reflect your lifestyle. As the largest organ in your body, what you consume, how much your sleep, and how you release stress all impact your overall health and your skin health. Your skin barrier is precious protective layer that keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out whilst maintaining moisture. Our over complex routines and external environment can easily take their toll. Instilling a simplified routine with the correct nourishing and non-irritating ingredients can assist you in resetting your skin and repairing any previous damage. Persistence and patience are key. If you are unsure about what products are right for you, get in touch today, take our skin quiz or book a consultation with our founder.

Conclusion: Repairing Your Skin Barrier with Ceramides

In conclusion, ceramides for skin are vital for repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. A well-functioning barrier is essential for hydrated, smooth, and glowing skin. Whether you opt for a barrier repair serum, a skin barrier repair cream, or a combination of both, incorporating ceramides into your routine can help protect and restore your skin.
Remember: a damaged skin barrier requires time and patience to heal. Focus on hydration, minimal irritation, and using products designed to support your skin’s natural protective function.

Your skin barrier is precious—treat it with care, and it will reward you with healthy, radiant skin.

Shop NAYA’s Ceramide-Infused Skin Care

Explore our range of skin barrier repair products and discover the power of ceramides to restore and protect your skin’s barrier.