Your Skin Barrier: How to Protect and Repair It

Rejuvenating your skin isn’t just about using the right makeup, getting regular treatments or seeking a miracle cream – it’s also about understanding how to repair and protect it every day. Your skin is constantly exposed to stressors and environmental damage that can alter its health. You need a system in place for protecting your skin from the daily bombardments and repairing any underlying damage. Of course, this all starts with understanding how your skin barrier works - so let’s get started on an exploration into the amazing world of dermal defences!

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, which acts as a protective shield against external aggressors. It is made up of several layers of cells, including the stratum corneum, which is the most important layer. The barrier function of the skin is critical for maintaining hydration levels within the skin and protecting against harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and pollution. A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining good skin health and a glowing complexion. It is important to care for the skin barrier by using gentle cleansers, moisturisers, and avoiding harsh chemicals or aggressive physical exfoliants that can damage the skin's protective layer.

How does the skin barrier get damaged?

Our skin is amazing, it serves as a barrier between the outside world and our internal organs, but unfortunately, this barrier can get damaged in several ways. One common culprit is prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays, which can weaken the skin's protective layer. Harsh soaps, hot water, and over-exfoliating can also strip away the skin's natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and prone to damage. 

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, and a poor diet can contribute to skin damage. Understanding the causes of skin damage can help us take better care of our skin and maintain its health and resilience.

What happens when the skin barrier is damaged?

When the skin barrier becomes damaged  it can lead to a host of issues. During the winter months the skin’s natural barrier function can be more likely to become impaired, this is when people start noticing their skin becoming dryer, tighter, sensitive and irritated. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis appear more often, as the skin's natural barrier function is not effectively working as it should. These conditions weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritants and infection, as bacteria and other harmful pathogens can more easily penetrate the weakened barrier.

In order to maintain a healthy skin barrier, it's essential to protect the skin from harsh chemicals and environmental stressors, and to keep it moisturised and nourished.

How to fix and repair damaged skin barrier?

If you have noticed dryness, flakiness, or itching on your skin, it could be a sign that your skin barrier has been compromised. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to repair it. 

Keep Hydrated

The outermost layer of your skin is your body’s first line of defence against pathogens, bacteria and viruses. If your skin is dehydrated, the top layer of cells (called the stratum cornea) can shrink in size. As they shrink, the skin begins to feel tight, and may eventually start to crack. This is a sure-sign that your skin is in need of some desperate hydration, from the inside out!

Keeping your body hydrated overall, is the first priority. So make sure you’re getting in your recommended water intake – generally 2-3L for most people. Adding Omega 3’s into your diet, or taking a supplement, is a great way to ensure that your skin cells remain hydrated. These fatty acids help your skin cells to hold onto more moisture, by strengthening the cell membrane. Plus, they are known for their anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties – so not only will your skin start to glow a little more, you might notice fine lines naturally disappearing and any existing signs of skin dehydration starting to dissipate.

Avoid Environmental Hydration Thieves

As tempting as it is, heating during the colder winter months can be one of the main reasons for a loss of hydration, and an impaired skin barrier.

Avoid using extremely hot water when showering, or washing your face, and keep away from direct heating. So sitting in the direct flow of the air-con, although nice and toasty and warm, is a definite no-no. 

Be sure to keep your skin protected when venturing outside, with hats, sunglasses, scarves and protective clothing. This will ensure you keep that moisture where it’s meant to be – inside your skin cells – instead of letting the environment run away with it.

Homecare Skin Routines for a Healthy Skin Barrier

Whether you’re trying to prevent damaged skin, or looking to repair your skin, investing in quality skincare products that help hydrate, lock in moisture, repair damaged skin and protect from environmental stressors is important to being able to heal your skin barrier quickly. Here are some of our favourite products to fix broken, inflamed and damaged skin barriers:

Lira Clinical MYSTIQ Illuminating Beauty Oil - This luxurious face oil, is perfect for your evening skin routine, ensuring your skin stays hydrated all night long. Madonna Lily Plant Stem Cells repair cells while Ground Cherry Extract promotes collagen repair. Vitamin C and Pomegranate Oil deliver anti-oxidants to the skin, brightening, hydrating and smoothing the skin while you sleep.

Lira Clinical BIO Hydra Infusion - Hyaluronic Acid and Silver Ear Mushroom attract water to the cells, while gold and silver minerals heal the skin, along with plant stem cells that repair the skin barrier function.

Lira Clinical BIO Health Recovery Balm - Providing a moisture-rich barrier, that still allows your skin to breathe. With healing properties such as Aloe Vera, Colloidal Silver and Gold, this is the ultimate protector of your skin, and great for those experiencing dry, irritated or sensitive skin.

Lira Clinical BIO Caviar Creme  - A decadent hydrating cream that will help repair damaged skin barrier. Soothe irritated and sensitive skin with Kukui Nut Oil, while Caviar, Madonna Lily Plant Stem Cells, Colloidal Silver and Gold get to work repairing, healing and rejuvenating your skin.

Lira Clinical BIO Hydrating Mineral Mist - A perfect dose of hydration to include in your skincare routine, or to take with you throughout the day, to ensure all-day protection against moisture thieves.

Lira Clinical SPF Solar Shield 30+ (Hydrating) - Keep your skin protected from the sun, and environmental factors that are out to capture your moisture. 

Remember to be patient with the process, as it can take a few weeks or even months to fully repair the skin barrier, depending on the condition and how long it has been damaged for. With a little TLC, your skin can be healthy and glowing once again.

As qualified, professional skin therapists, when it comes to treating any skin condition we see here at The Skin Manifesto, we always ensure to address any skin barrier impairments first. This is why you’ll often be prescribed a homecare skin routine, to repair damaged or impaired skin barrier function, making sure the skin barrier is in an optimal state, before we begin any intensive treatments such as skin needling, peels or IPL pigmentation removal. 

Looking after your skin on a daily basis is the best way to nourish and protect your skin barrier. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a damaged skin barrier, be sure to book an Advanced Skin Analysis with us, so we can look at what’s happening beneath the surface and help you have healthy, glowing skin once again.