Smooth, strong, glowing: How to repair your skin barrier

Your skin barrier is tough, but it’s not invincible. Here are some common culprits that can wreak havoc:

1. Over-exfoliation and harsh skincare products

Scrubbing your face and body like it’s a dirty dish? Not a good idea. Over-exfoliating can strip away those precious lipids.

2. Excessive sun exposure without SPF

UV rays are like tiny, invisible ninjas that can break down your skin barrier by damaging lipids, weakening cells, and causing moisture loss.

3. Pollution and environmental aggressors

City living can be rough on your skin. All those pollutants like smog, dirt, and toxins cling to your skin’s surface, generating free radicals that break down lipids, weaken your barrier, and cause dehydration.

4. Using the wrong cleansers or ingredients

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, disrupting its moisture balance, compromising the barrier, and leaving it dry, irritated, and more prone to damage.

5. Cold, dry weather and lack of humidity

Cool temperatures bring dry air that can suck the moisture out of your skin, eroding your protective layer, causing flakiness, tightness, and making skin more prone to irritation.

6. Skipping moisturizer or using products that strip the skin

Moisturizer is your skin’s BFF—it locks in hydration, reinforces your barrier, and prevents moisture loss. Skipping it or using harsh products can leave skin dry, irritated, and more prone to damage.

How do you know if your skin barrier is waving a white flag? Here are some telltale signs:

· Redness and inflammation

· Dryness and flakiness

· Itchiness or a burning sensation

· Breakouts and increased sensitivity

· Rough or uneven texture

If you’re nodding along to any of these symptoms, it’s time to show your skin barrier some love.

Ready to give your skin barrier some TLC? Here’s your repair game plan:

Step 1: Use a gentle cleanser

Ditch the harsh cleansers and use something gentle. Look for sulfate-free options that won’t strip your skin. BELOVED Bath & Shower Gel is a great choice for your body—it’s gentle, sulfate-free, and comes in a variety of yummy scents.

Step 2: Hydrate and restore moisture

Hydration is key. It replenishes lost moisture, strengthens your skin barrier, and improves elasticity. Use a hydrating toner or essence to give your skin a moisture boost. Follow up with a rich moisturizer and body cream that’s packed with natural, nourishing ingredients.

Step 3: Use skin barrier repair moisturizers

Look for moisturizers specifically designed to repair the skin barrier. Ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol help rebuild your skin barrier by replenishing lost lipids, sealing in moisture, and protecting against irritation.

Step 4: Apply SPF daily

Never skip SPF. It shields your skin from UV damage, preventing further barrier breakdown while giving your skin the protection it needs to heal and repair itself.

Step 5: Limit exfoliation and avoid harsh ingredients

Give your skin a break from harsh exfoliants and ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. Use a gentle exfoliant on your face, and a soothing body scrub on your body one to two times per week.

Step 6: Strengthen your barrier with antioxidants and serums

Antioxidants like vitamin C and E can help reinforce your skin barrier by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and supporting collagen production.  Incorporate a serum into your routine for an extra boost.

Step 7: Repair from the inside out

Healthy skin starts from within. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and get enough sleep. These habits help support moisture retention, help reduce inflammation, and help strengthen the skin barrier for a healthy, resilient glow.

Patience, gurl. Repairing your skin barrier isn’t an overnight fix. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the damage. Consistency is key, so stick to your routine and give your skin the time it needs to heal.

When it comes to repairing your skin barrier, choosing the right products is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved formulas.

BELOVED’s range of bath and body products, like the body scrub and body cream, are formulated with natural ingredients, free from parabens and sulfates, and are gentle on your skin.

Your skin barrier is like your skin’s personal defence system, and it deserves all the love and care you can give it. By understanding what damages it and how to repair it, you can keep your skin healthy, happy, and glowing. Indulge in some self-care with BELOVED’s range of bath and body products and show your skin some well-deserved love and affection.