Having itchy, dry skin and wondering what caused your skin to act like this? Have you ever thought it might be the damaged skin barrier? Confused about what a skin barrier is? No worries I’ve got you. Not only we’ll discuss what a skin barrier is but at the end you will also be able to know how to fix it.

So, What’s A Skin Barrier?

Skin is the largest organ of our body consisting of many layers. The outer most layer of skin, aka stratum corneum make up our skin barrier. This layer consists of ceramides, lipids and natural moisturizing factors. So, our skin has a security guard aka skin barrier that helps to keep the moisture in and pathogens and bacteria out.

Signs Of Skin Barrier Damage

Now that you have an idea of what a skin barrier is let’s talk about the signs of damaged skin barrier: -

1-Dry And Patchy Skin: -

A healthy skin barrier helps to retain moisture. So, if the skin barrier is damaged and moisture isn’t locked within what will be the consequences? Yes! Dry, patchy skin.

2- Itchy, Irritated And Inflammed Skin: -

Damaged skin barrier allows allergens to penetrate the skin that triggers the inflammatory response and cause itching and redness. It may even lead to skin conditions like eczema.

     3-Acne Breakouts and Infections: -

    Compromised skin barrier make your skin prone to pathogens. Remember the security guard concept? So yes, damaged skin barrier means more bacteria attacking your skin leading to clogged pores, acne breakouts and skin infections.

     4- Hyperpigmentation: -

       Your skin is not capable enough to fight UV radiations due to damaged skin barrier thus the sun exposure will lead to hyperpigmentation, discoloration and dark spots.

     5- Premature Aging: -

Due to compromised skin barrier your skin will lose its elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles thus causing premature aging.

How To Fix Damaged Skin Barrier

Healthy skin is not just a cosmetic goal it reflects your internal health too. Let’s discuss how to fix your skin barrier.

1-     Keep Your Skin Moisturized: -

You need to drink plenty of water to keep your skin internally moisturized and use of a good moisturizer is also mandatory. Always go for hyaluronic acid and ceramides containing moisture.

2-     Wear Sunscreen: -

Make sunscreen your best friend. Apply your sunscreen on daily basis and reapply it whenever needed to keep your skin healthy.

3-     Avoid Over Exfoliation: -

    Say good bye to physical exfoliation. Always prefer chemical exfoliation (Lactic acid, Glycolic acid) that too once or twice weekly.

4-     Use Of Healthy Diet: -

It’s vey well said that “You are what you eat”. A healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will automatically fix your skin issues including skin barrier making your skin look youthful.

Conclusion

It may seem difficult to fix your skin barrier but trust me patience is the key. With few changes in your products and lifestyle it’s simply possible to have intact and healthy skin barrier. Let me know which of the above recommendation worked best for your skin and how you healed your skin barrier.