How to repair a damaged skin barrier?

A damaged skin barrier requires attention and care. Skin barrier protection is creating a buzz these days in the skincare industry.  A damaged skin barrier causes many skin issues. However, a healthy skin barrier helps to protect and keeps skin problems at bay. 

Skin barrier holds a lot of responsibility for achieving healthy skin. It helps skin shine radiantly and prevents dry, dull, and lusterless skin. However, sometimes we may end up damaging our skin barrier without even realizing it. Let us know more about the importance of skin barriers and how to repair a damaged skin barrier.

What is a skin barrier?

Let us discover the real skin barrier. 

Skin is composed of 3 parts which are as follows- 

The outermost layer of the skin which is also called as “epidermis” is composed of 5 layers which are as follows- 

1. Stratum corneum
2. Stratum basale
3. Stratum spinosum
4. Stratum granulosum
5. Stratum lucidum 

The outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) composed of the stratum corneum is considered the skin barrier. 

Functions of the skin barrier. 

Here are the top functions of the skin barrier- 

1. Helps in intense moisturization.
2. Locks in moisture.
3. Helps in regulating skin temperature.
4. Helps in controlling the functional capacity of the skin.
5. Helps in regulating the skin cycle and its turnover.
6. Prevents dull, dry, and flaky skin.
7. Helps maintain healthy cellular function.
8. Skin protection from external and internal factors. 

A damaged skin barrier affects the normal mechanism and functioning of the skin. A healthy barrier helps skin stay hydrated, plump, dewy, and baby soft. 

Causes of the damaged skin barrier. 

The skin barrier gets damaged when there is excessive depletion of the lipids or natural oil from the skin causing skin dryness. This may happen due to various reasons which are as follows- 

• Skin aging.
• Internal factors such as stress.
• Environmental factors such as sun damage or pollutants.
• Hormonal imbalance due to thyroid issues causes skin dryness.
• Excessive melanin secretion causes skin pigmentation.
• Lack of sleep.
• Too hot or too cold-water strips the natural oils from the skin.
• Over-exfoliation of the skin. 

Signs and symptoms of the damaged skin barrier. 

Here are most of the common skin problems which indicate that your skin barrier is damaged. 

• Acne rosacea.
• Skin allergy and hypersensitivity.
• Discolored patches.
• Skin inflammation such as dermatitis.
• Skin infections such as acne or eczema.
• Excessive flaking of the skin.
• Burning of skin. 

How to prevent skin barrier damage?

If you are battling a damaged skin barrier, it is important to act before it's too late. Here are some of the important tips which work in restoring, strengthening, and nourishing the skin barrier.

Recovery with Antioxidants.

Antioxidant-enriched products are a great way to restore the damaged skin barrier. It prevents oxidative stress damage which causes a negative impact on the skin barrier. Skin metabolism is a normal process and is a must for healthy skin functioning. Using antioxidant-rich products with vitamins A, C, and E can help in faster recovery of the damaged skin barrier.

Moisturization is the key.

A damaged epidermis requires a good amount of moisturization to help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Along with natural oils, it is important to implement natural elements of Vitamin B5 - Panthenol derivatives which work as a healing lubricator. Vitamin B5 elements stimulate ceramide production and help restore skin function. It helps in filling the gaps in the skin barrier to give a perfect structured base to the skin from within. 

Using squalene and Vitamin E-based moisturizers can work wonders for the skin. Hyaluronic-based skincare products can also lock in moisture allowing the skin cells to recover! It is important to reach out for moisture-binding humectants to help improve elasticity and restore skin youthfulness. Moisturization is one of the best solutions for aging skin which may result in a damaged skin barrier.

Check for skincare ingredients.

Before investing in skincare products for beautiful healthy skin, it is important to check for skincare ingredients. Some skincare ingredients may cause side effects damaging the skin barrier.

Using sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must to help prevent skin barrier damage. The harsh UV rays can harm the skin barrier with continuous exposure. It is important to use sunscreen daily with high SPF to help prevent sun damage. Using high SPF sunscreen and additional elements full of antioxidants can help restore and repair your skin barrier. Along with hydration, it is essential to consume a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to keep skin moisturized from within.

Reduce skin inflammation.

It is important to reduce skin inflammation, especially in cases of active skin problems. A damaged skin barrier may result in cropping up of skin issues like eczema, rosacea, acne, and other skin problems. It is important to allow the skin to heal with natural skincare products. Eliminate harsh cleansers and toners with active alcohol and paraben concentration to help soothe and calm skin. It is essential to be gentle to the skin with TLC (Tender Love Care) to stimulate the skin healing process. 

So, get started with the natural healing process for damaged skin barrier with Savarnas Mantra Natural Skin Care Products. Embrace the natural goodness of botanical extracts which allows the skin to heal.