Top 7 skin barrier-friendly ingredients that help to repair damaged skin
Our skin barrier is one of the most sophisticated organs and it helps in saving the skin from environmental stress or microorganism. If your skin barrier is happy then your skin appears naturally bouncy as well as glowy. It is the first defense barrier of the skin that helps in fighting against bacteria and other external aggressors. So, if you want to have that glow to your you must give extra love to your skin barrier as well.
There are some easier ways to make the skin barrier strong and it can be done by using barrier-friendly ingredients.
What is Skin Barrier and its purpose?
Our skin comprises three layers consisting of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The outermost layer is responsible for protecting the skin as a brick wall and is also known as the stratum corneum.
This layer is also known as the moisture barrier or brick-mortar structure where corneocytes give the resemblance of brick while lipid is donated as the mortar.
It helps in locking in the needed moisture which helps the skin to fight against environmental toxins, UV Rays, and other pathogens as well.
What are the causes of Skin Barrier Damage?
It is quite common to notice damaged skin barriers these days and this could also happen due to skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema. But here are other common causes that could cause your skin to get damaged including:-
- Using strong cleanser or exfoliant and using it excessively can strip away the natural oil of the skin barrier. Hence causing the skin to become sensitive and resulting in a damaged skin barrier.
- Some people scrub it harder than needed and put pressure on the skin while scrubbing.
- Applying skin care products that have allergens like colorants, drying alcohol, and other things in them.
- Letting the chemical peels stay on the skin for a longer period of time.
- Using two strong active ingredients together could be a big concern.
- Some people use hot water to wash their face which can strip the moisture away.
- Getting exposed to pollutants for a longer period of time.
What are the skin barrier-friendly ingredients?
Ceramides
Ceramide is naturally present in our own skin barrier and is one of the essential components. Did you know? Whenever you have low disturbed levels of ceramides then you are most likely to suffer from blemishes, dermatitis, or acne.
Ceramide is one effective ingredient that could help you in restoring the skin barrier, reduce the signs of aging, and lock in moisture. The application of products filled with ceramide can help in making your skin healthy, soft, and smooth.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the famous ingredients in the beauty industry and is one of the multi-tasker for the skin. It can help in boosting the natural production of ceramide and has been clinically proven to improve the brightness of the skin, regulate sebum production, reduce the size of pores, etc.
Glycerine
It is one of the most worthy ingredients if you are looking for a hydrating option and here Glycerine is the great option. It has been proven by studies that glycerine can penetrate deep into the skin barrier and maintain hydration for many days. It is effective in reducing the dryness of the skin and repairing the elasticity of the skin.
Allantoin
Allantoin is gaining a lot of attention nowadays from people but is a well-known ingredient in Korean-based skin care products. It gives the skin a soothing effect and also moisturizes the skin. It is also helpful in alleviating the activation of other ingredients on our skin barrier.
Chia Seed Oil
The oil that produces free fatty acids has a major effect on the epidermal lipids of the skin barrier. It is not a good healthy option to add to your smoothies but is also a powerhouse for the skin barrier. Chia has the highest concentration of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. It is really soothing and moisturizing on the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is well known to have 1000 times heavier than water and is helpful in retaining moisture. There are different types of hyaluronic acid including Hyalorepair which helps in recovering the skin barrier, zinc hyaluronate is effective in healing wounds.
while Sodium Hyaluronate is the commonly used skin ingredient that can penetrate the skin. It is well known for increasing the production of collagen and also making the skin plumper.
Panthenol
Panthenol is that one ingredient that helps in attracting and retaining moisture from the environment. It has anti-inflammatory properties making it effective in reducing redness and inflammation. The application of this ingredient helps in providing a soothing effect on the skin.
Conclusion
The skin barrier is one of the important parts of the skin which helps in saving the skin from all kinds of external aggressors. It is important to repair the skin and make it healthy in order to have plump skin. There are several skin-barrier-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, chia seed oil, and many more.
It is important to note that patience, as well as consistency, is the only way to recover a healthy skin barrier. But it is also important to do a patch test before trying any of the skin ingredients in order to know whether it's suitable for the skin or not.
FAQs
Q. Is the damaged skin barrier reversible?
Ans. In most cases, the skin barrier can be easily fixed and it can be done by using skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide and many more.
Q. What are ths signs of a damaged skin barrier?
Ans. The common signs noted in a damaged skin barrier are that you will experience dry skin, sensitive, constant bacterial or fungal acne, dark patches, etc.
Q. Can Niacinamide help in repairing the skin barrier?
Ans. Yes, Niacinamide also known as Vitamin B3 has an antioxidant effect that helps in repairing damaged skin barriers.
Q. What not to use on the damaged skin barrier?
Ans. It is important not to exfoliate the skin and this includes both chemical as well as physical exfoliant.