Haunted Skin Barrier
- Ella Casto
- Oct 16, 2024
- 3 min read
How to Revive Your Skin from the Scariest of Issues
Does your skin feel bone dry after cleansing? Does it sting every time you apply an active product? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, you're likely dealing with a stripped skin barrier. When your skin barrier is compromised, a host of problems can arise, so it's crucial to restore it quickly to prevent further damage. Nearly everyone experiences a compromised skin barrier at some point, and the results are never pleasant. Common symptoms include breakouts, premature aging, irritation, dullness, tightness, rashes, and more.
What Is a Stripped Skin Barrier?
Our skin naturally produces lipids and oils that protect its outermost layer, known as the skin barrier. This barrier locks in moisture and keeps harmful environmental factors out. When it's compromised—whether through over-exfoliation, harsh products, or external stressors—our skin becomes vulnerable and stops functioning as it should. Instead of looking healthy and glowing, it appears dull, feels tight, and reacts sensitively to the products you apply. Contrary to the common belief that skin absorbs everything, it's designed to keep most things out. When your barrier is compromised, it exposes your skin to debris and environmental damage, throwing your skin off balance and requiring immediate care.
Causes of a Compromised Skin Barrier
There are several reasons your skin barrier might become compromised, with over-exfoliation, environmental stress, dehydration, and improper skincare use being the most common. From my experience with clients, the most frequent culprit is over-exfoliation or incorrect use of products. For instance, using a physical exfoliant like a scrub more than three times a week can strip your barrier. While exfoliation is essential for skin health, overdoing it—whether with physical or chemical exfoliants—destroys your skin's natural oils. Similarly, when introducing a new active product into your routine, it’s important to ease into it. Start by using it every other day or just a few times a week, then gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts.
How to Bring Your Barrier Back from the Dead
Healing a compromised barrier can be tricky, but with the right products and approach, you'll be on the road to recovery in no time. The first step is to remove any active products from your regimen, as these can irritate the skin and slow the healing process. The key to recovery is using hydrating and healing products. A simple regimen to restore your barrier could include the Barrier Balance Cleanser, Lipid Serum, Comfort Cream, Cell Protection Balm, and Lipid Recovery Masks. This regimen is suitable for all skin types and concerns. Consistent use will repair your skin barrier in just a few days. You can also ice your skin morning and night to reduce inflammation and aid in healing.
Product Breakdown for Barrier Repair
This creamy, rich cleanser hydrates the skin while balancing your microbiome. I use it daily as my morning cleanse to reset and balance my skin, especially when I'm using a lot of actives. Hydration is key for maintaining skin health, and this cleanser is perfect for post-procedure or dry skin. If my skin feels tight or dry, I use it morning and night. It's also my best-selling cleanser because my clients love it.
This unique serum contains a patented ingredient called TSC, a powerful molecule that reduces inflammation—a major cause of acne, aging, pigmentation, and other skin concerns. TSC helps calm the skin, giving it the chance to repair without further damage. This serum is also packed with lipids that mimic the skin’s natural barrier, making it ideal for healing a compromised barrier while fighting collagen breakdown at a cellular level. It penetrates all the way to the deepest layers of your skin.
A soothing moisturizer that calms and repairs the skin, Comfort Cream contains aloe vera and is loaded with antioxidants. It’s safe for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. This lightweight cream provides essential moisture to dehydrated skin and speeds up the healing process.
This balm is a must-have for everyone, especially those dealing with a compromised barrier. It's similar to Aquaphor but designed to shield the skin and lock in moisture. Cell Balm enhances the effectiveness of the skincare products you apply underneath it, driving them deeper into the skin. You can mix it with other moisturizers like Comfort Cream for added hydration. It’s versatile and can be used on the skin, lips, brows, lashes, cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites, rashes, and more. This is also acne safe.
This sheet mask is saturated with double-concentrated lipid serum for a quick burst of hydration and barrier repair. It’s healing, calming, and soothing for irritated skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, using it 1-3 times a week or daily if your barrier is severely stripped.
xoxo - the pink estie
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