How To Help Repair the Skin Barrier

Darlings, you’ve probably heard lots about certain skincare products that can help to repair your skin barrier. But what is your skin barrier? How can you tell if it’s damaged? And what can help you to repair a broken skin barrier?

Read on to discover everything you need to know…

What Is Your Skin Barrier?

Your skin barrier is the watertight seal or ‘moisture barrier’ that serves as the top layer of your skin. It’s made up of five layers and protects your body against external threats like UV exposure and pathogens, while also sealing in moisture.

A healthy skin barrier helps to retain moisture and keep skin hydrated, leading to SOFT, SMOOTH and SUPPLE skin. But when you have a damaged moisture barrier caused by things like long-term sun exposure, allergens, irritants, pollution, lack of sleep and over-exfoliation, you may experience a dry, tight and dull-looking complexion. Ageing can also cause damage to your skin’s barrier by thinning your skin and weakening its natural barrier.

Damaged Skin Barrier Symptoms

It’s pretty easy to determine whether your skin barrier is functioning properly or not. If your skin barrier is damaged, your skin may be sensitive, inflamed and irritated and you may experience itchiness, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and scaly patches. Skin with damaged barriers may also be more prone to acne breakouts and bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections.

MAGIC Tips for Helping a Damaged Skin Barrier

Here are Charlotte’s MAGIC tips and tricks to help repair your skin barrier…

MAGIC TIP 1: Find your skin type

Did you know that different skincare products are formulated for different skin types? To make sure you’re getting the most out of your supercharged skin routine, find your skin type. By knowing whether your skin is DRY, OILY, COMBINATION or NORMAL, you can tailor your skincare ritual and use products that are suited specifically for your skin type to avoid skin irritation.

MAGIC TIP 2: Take care of yourself

Diet, lack of sleep and stress can all contribute to a damaged skin barrier. It's, therefore, super-important to look after yourself and in turn, your skin barrier. Make sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day and aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. A healthy diet is also essential. Fatty fish like salmon are great for maintaining skin health, while avocados help with skin moisture and walnuts help to reduce skin inflammation.

MAGIC TIP 3: Go easy on the retinol

Ingredients like retinol, AHAs and BHAs are great for tackling acne and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but they can exacerbate irritation and inflammation – something you’ll want to avoid if your skin barrier is already damaged! Ease off on these ingredients temporarily while your skin barrier repairs itself. Then, introduce them again slowly, using every third day before building up to every other day and eventually, daily.

MAGIC TIP 4: Embrace hyaluronic acid

When it comes to hyaluronic acid, your skin can never have too much! This MAGIC ingredient is naturally produced by your body and helps to retain your skin’s moisture levels while contributing to its elasticity. Over time, the amount your body produces decreases slightly, which is why it’s important to choose skincare and beauty products infused with this supercharged ingredient when possible. This includes award-winning Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir and Brightening Youth Glow, which are all designed to support your skin’s natural barrier.

Tilbury Tip: Don’t forget to make sure you’re using your skincare products correctly. This includes applying them in the correct order and using the correct amount of product each time.

Now that you know how to spot a damaged skin barrier and the many ways you can protect your skin barrier, you’re on your way to a HAPPIER and HEALTHIER complexion. Don’t forget to discover Charlotte’s skincare guides including how to get smooth skin and embrace the MAGIC of Charlotte’s skincare icons to achieve RADIANT-LOOKING skin from the moment you wake up!