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The dialogue around barrier health has prompted us all to take a long, hard look at our pre-existing skincare routines. For the unversed, the skin barrier or ‘acid mantle’ is the outermost layer of your epidermis – serving as the first line of defence against external aggressors, never-ending pollution and extreme temperature conditions. In case, this protective layer gets marred or damaged (due to reasons discussed in this blog), it makes your skin prone to a wide variety of infections and problematic skin conditions.
To prevent these problems and uphold the stratum corneum’s optimal functionality, refer to our tried and tested list of barrier repair products on Nykaa. But before you get to the list, here are ways to identify if your skin barrier is compromised. We also walk you through all the possible reasons for an at-risk skin barrier.
How To Identify A Weakened Or Damaged Skin Barrier?
Here’s a list of symptoms to help identify if you have a damaged or weakened skin barrier.
- Out-of-the-blue flare-ups or inflamed skin
- Exceedingly dry or flaky skin that no formulation can seem to alleviate
- Acne bumps or eruptions
- Episodes of bacterial or fungal skin infections
What Are The Reasons For A Damaged Skin Barrier?
Several internal and external factors can lead to a compromised skin barrier. Scroll further to learn more.
- Ageing: To cite a borrowed analogy, consider the skin barrier as a brick wall composed of skin cells, oils, fatty acids, lipids, and cholesterol. A subcategory of lipids, ceramide serves as the mortar preserving the integrity of this wall. However, as we age, the natural levels of ceramide in the skin begin to deplete, resulting in a compromised barrier. This negatively impacts the skin’s moisture-holding capacity and leads to inflammation or infections due to harmful bacteria infiltrating the microbiome.
- Abrasive Chemicals And Over-Exfoliation: As discussed, the acid mantle or skin barrier boasts a layer of essential oils to ward off pollution and germs. Over-exfoliation or excessive use of chemicals can strip off these oils, leading to a damaged barrier.
- Extreme Climatic Conditions And Solar Exposure: Research suggests that too-low temperatures can negatively impact barrier function, making it prone to signs of mechanical stress.
- Alkaline Skincare Products: Contrary to popular belief, the acid mantle bears a slightly acidic pH (between 4.5 and 5.5). The overuse of alkaline skincare formulations disrupts the microbiome, leading to uncomfy tightness, skin flakiness, and other flare-ups.
Best Products For A Damaged Skin Barrier
Here’s a list of products that you can add to your AM/PM regimen for a healthy barrier and better skin immunity.
Cleanser
We recommend a no-fuss, no-frills formulation that helps restore moisture content to your skin and cleanses thoroughly without meddling with your skin’s natural pH.
Nykaa Recommends:
This no-nasties formula by Dot & Key deeply cleanses the skin without compromising on barrier functionality. It is brewed with hero humectant hyaluronic acid that serves as a moisture bank for the skin, ensuring its soft and supple appearance. The star ingredients are the 5-essential ceramides, which uphold barrier health and diminish episodes of flare-ups and irritation.
Nykaa Recommends:
With the infallible duo of hyaluronic acid and glycerine in the forefront, this superior cleanser by Simple refreshes the skin – without stripping it off essential oils. A pH-neutral formula brewed with ceramide boosters, the cream percolates deep into your skin to bolster the naturally occurring production of lipids.
Serums
If your skin barrier is exceedingly damaged, opt for a concentrated form of treatment with a face serum. This non-greasy and lightweight formula seeps deep into the skin to deliver time-bound results.
Use a few drops of this efficacious serum by MCaffeine to strengthen your barrier. The air light concoct offers 100% hydration to the skin while improving its texture. It also features an amalgamation of 5 restorative peptides that improve your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Grab the formula at INR 599 only on Nykaa.
This potent brew enriched with gotu kola and hyaluronic acid helps fortify your barrier by binding moisture content to the skin. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, the lightweight concoct fortifies your skin barrier by stimulating collagen production and supporting healthy cell turnover.
Moisturiser
For a weakened skin barrier, replace your regular moisturiser with a ceramide-forward offering. If your skin type is oily, opt for an oil-free formula that doesn’t clog your pores.
Formulated with ceramide, fatty acid, and cholesterol (in a 3:1:1 ratio), this decadent whip accelerates barrier repair. Suitable for all skin types, the cream is packed with aquaporin-boosting ingredients that also ensure a deep dose of hydration. Grab this science-backed formula for only INR 599.
Enriched with three types of ceramides, this Day Moisturizer by Nykaa SKINRX protects, repairs and maintains your skin barrier. The non-greasy formula melts into the skin to lock in moisture, prevent exposure to pollutants and shield the skin against harmful UV radiations (thanks to the infusion of SPF 15). Get your mitts on this nourishing tub for only INR 399.
Sunscreen Or SPF
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of an impaired skin barrier. When harmful UV radiations interact with your skin, they lead to the inevitable creation of free radicals in the latter. These free radicals damage elastin, hence compromising the integrity of your skin’s first line of defence.
This efficient SPF by Dr Sheth’s ensures formidable sun protection while strengthening the barrier. Lightweight, SLS-devoid and dermatologically tested, the formula also combats instances of localised discolouration, thanks to the presence of vitamin C on the ingredient list.
This ultra-light sunscreen gel by UV-Squad doubles down on sun protection while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Supercharged with skincare workhorse niacinamide, the formula also dwindles the appearance of spots and patches with regular use.
