We’ve all heard about the “skin barrier” but what exactly is it, and what does it do? It’s your toughest line of defense against external triggers that can affect your complexion.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to repair your skin barrier so that you can experience healthy, glowing skin.

 

What is the Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier is the exterior layer of skin that protects the surface layers from free radicals and harsh environmental toxins. The skin is composed of various layers which protect and perform necessary functions to keep your skin – and body – healthy.

At the outermost layer is the stratum corneum. This is your skin’s toughest shield. It’s so strong, it’s known as the “brick wall” of your skin. That’s because the cells (corneocytes) are extremely durable, thanks to lipids binding them together. These cells contain natural lubricants and moisturizers like keratin, fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol.

A healthy skin barrier creates a soft, supple, firm complexion. But it goes far beyond skin deep. The stratum corneum is the fortress protecting your body from pathogens and toxins that can penetrate and disrupt your body’s natural functions.

Fortunately, once you address the damage, you can repair the skin barrier within 2-4 weeks. Before we explore how to repair your skin barrier, it’s helpful to know what’s weakening it.

 

What Damages the Skin Barrier?

Each and every day, our body is exposed to elements that can weaken our complexion’s defensive shield.

Some of the most common offenders against your skin barrier are:

• Excessive sun exposure

• Harsh chemicals found in skincare products or laundry detergents

• Extreme weather, including humidity and dryness

• Pollution

• Allergies

• Abrasive soaps or chemicals

• Genetic factors and skin conditions like psoriasis 

• Steroids

• Over-washing or exfoliating your skin

 

Signs of Damaged Skin Barrier

• Dry skin

• Discoloration

• Acne

• Skin infections

• Inflammation

• Skin sensitivity and irritation

• Flakiness

• Acne

• Itchiness

Now that we’ve explained what to look out for, let’s look at how to heal the skin barrier.

 

How to Repair Your Skin Barrier in 5 Simple Steps

Here’s what you can do to repair skin barrier damage and unlock healthy, glowing skin again.

1. Strip down your skincare routine

As tempting as it is to try every new skincare trend and product, your skin likes to keep things simple. Overusing products–or adding too many ingredients into the mix–can negatively affect your complexion. 

If you’re experiencing any damaged skin barrier symptoms, it may be time to scale down your routine to the essentials. Knowing how to repair your skin barrier is often as easy as simplifying your skincare.

A gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and SPF is all you need. As you repair damaged skin, you can incorporate more products to target specific problem spots. 

2. Add natural plant oils to replenish skin barrier

As moisture slips through your pores, you’ll experience dry skin. If you want to know how to repair the skin barrier naturally, reach for ultra-hydrating plant oils, like:

• Argan oil

• Coconut oil

• Jojoba oil

• Primrose Oil

• Almond oil

• Sunflower Seed Oil

Simply massage a few drops into your hands and apply it to your skin. Or opt for nourishing moisturizers that contain these plant-based oils, such as our Océan Complex Cream, a lush, rich face cream made with over 90 ocean minerals and plant oils, including organic sunflower oil, jojoba, and shea butter to deeply hydrate skin and bolster your skin barrier.

3. Understand skin pH and the acid mantle

Bacterias, fungi, and viruses can unleash infections and skin conditions. To shield against these foes, your skin barrier contains acidity called the “acid mantle.”

Generally, your skin’s acidity is around 4.7 (1). However, skincare products run the gamut between 3.7 to 8.2.

It’s best to choose cleansers falling between 4-5 pH. You can also restore pH balance with specially formulated skincare products, like Forever Beaumore’s pH balancing Vitamin Cream. This lightweight, regenerative cream contains skin-loving ingredients like jojoba oil, B5, retinol, and green tea to maintain pH.

4. Use skincare with lubricating ingredients

Occlusive and humectant moisturizers restore the skin barrier by adding lost water back into your complexion. Hydrating moisturizers create a protective seal to prevent water loss from a damaged skin barrier. 

Here are some of the best skin barrier repair products and ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid supports the lipids within the cells so that they can hold in water. Our HA Bright Serum moisturizes the skin while brightening dark spots.

• Glycerin boosts the production of ceramides to help repair the skin barrier.

• Petrolatum can reduce water loss by 99% (2).

• Ceramides act as a glue to hold skin cells together within your skin barrier. You can aid this process with products like our Intense Repairing Cream, an overnight moisturizer powered by ceramide technology to deeply fortify the layers of the skin barrier that lock in hydration. It’s also formulated with collagen and lactic and glycolic acids to foster cellular turnover and give you a luminous glow.

• Vitamins E, B1, B2, and B6: These anti-inflammatory ingredients can soothe a reactive skin barrier. Our powerhouse Collagen Beauty Drink contains Japanese technology and marine collagen peptides to moisturize the body from within. Did we mention it’s oh-so-tasty? Yum!

5. Restore your skin barrier with Forever Beaumore

We know how difficult skincare challenges can be. When you experience dry, irritated skin, it can damper your confidence. That’s why we formulate innovative skincare that combines traditional ingredients with modern technology.

Once you know how to repair your skin barrier, you’ll want an ally in your corner armed with effective solutions. We’ve got your back!  Visit Forever Beaumore to find holistic, wellness, and skincare solutions designed with your best skin in mind.

 

Sources

1. Harwood, Anne, et al. “Moisturizers.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/.

2. Lambers, H., et al. “Natural Skin Surface PH Is on Average below 5, Which Is Beneficial for Its Resident Flora.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 28, no. 5, Oct. 2006, pp. 359–370, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x.

Disclaimer: **These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your doctor before consuming if you are allergic to seafood, pregnant, lactating, or taking any medication or have medical conditions.