Struggling With A Damaged Skin Barrier? Here’s How You Can Repair Your Skin Barrier Naturally

If your skin is feeling extremely dry and is highly prone to breakouts, chances are you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier. When your skin barrier is compromised, a lot of skin concerns can arise. To maintain healthy skin, you need to repair the skin barrier. So if you’re curious to know how to repair a damaged skin barrier naturally, read on.

What Is A Skin Barrier?

As the name suggests, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin. Skin is the largest organ of the human body and the skin’s barrier is what protects this organ from environmental aggressors, topical drugs, and other causes of external damage.

What Are The Signs Of A Damaged Skin Barrier?

Here’s how to identify if you have a damaged skin barrier.

1. Dry & Itchy Skin

The first most evident symptom of a damaged skin barrier is experiencing dry and itchy skin. Your skin might feel uncomfortable and you may experience dry patches and redness even if you have an oily or combination skin type.

2. Skin Infections & Breakouts

You will notice bacterial breakouts that aren’t normal. You may also experience other kinds of skin sensitivity and redness which means your skin barrier is damaged and you have developed a skin infection.

3. Water Loss

Your skin will lack the ability to retain its natural moisture levels. You will find that your skin feels very dehydrated if your skin barrier is damaged.

4. Reduced Skin Elasticity

Due to the lack of moisture levels, a damaged skin barrier also leads to skin losing its elasticity. This means more signs of visible wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

5. Dullness

Dehydrated skin combined with accumulation of dead skin cells also leads to dullness. The dullness experienced with a damaged skin barrier is even more daunting because you cannot use any chemical exfoliators to treat it as the skin requires gentle nourishment and moisture instead.

What Are The Causes Of A Damaged Skin Barrier?

Curious to know why the skin barrier gets damaged? Here are the main causes of damaged skin barrier listed below.

1. Lack Of SPF

If you don’t wear sunscreen daily, your skin barrier can easily get damaged. Sun damage to the skin is no joke. The UV rays can cause sunburn and inflammation and also bring about skin dehydration and premature signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Overuse Of Skincare Actives

Active ingredients in skincare, also known as skincare actives, are ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin C and more. These are basically ingredients popularly used in face serums and most of them offer gentle exfoliation to the skin. But if you use a powerful skincare active ingredient like a retinol face serum or salicylic acid face serum more than 4 days every week, you will damage your skin barrier. Active ingredient face serums should be used only 3 to 4 days a week and leave the remaining days of the week for your skin to breathe and recover.

3. Over Exfoliation

Using a skin exfoliator more often than recommended will also damage your skin barrier. You are supposed to exfoliate your skin only once a week and sometimes twice a week if you have oily skin. Using a face scrub or chemical exfoliator daily will definitely damage your skin barrier.

4. Toners With Alcohol

If your face toner contains alcohol, it will damage the skin barrier. Using an alcohol based toner daily will cause major damage and dry out the skin and even lead to more breakouts.

How To Repair The Skin Barrier Naturally

If you want to repair the skin barrier naturally, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of 10 home remedies for damaged skin barrier that you can try out.

1. Rose Water

Rose water has antiinflammatory properties that helps instantly soothe damaged skin barriers. It also helps hydrate and moisturise the skin naturally while feeling weightless. Simply mix equal parts of rose water and distilled water in a clean spray bottle and spritz it on your face any time of day or night.

2. Aloe Vera

Use organic aloe vera gel to soothe and hydrate damaged skin barrier. OTC aloe vera gels for skin contain tocopherols and do not have the stickiness of fresh aloe vera. This makes OTC certified pure aloe vera gels more suitable for damaged skin barrier. Apply a layer of it and leave it on for 20 minutes after which you can rinse it off with water.

3. Honey

Honey is a natural humectant and it has antibacterial properties as well as anti inflammatory properties. Applying honey on your skin will kill bacteria, soothe acne, and gently cleanse and moisturise your skin. Simply massage a layer of honey on skin and rinse it off with water.

4. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is another great natural ingredient for repairing the skin barrier. It is compatible even for oily and acne prone skin types as it regulates sebum production and thoroughly moisturises the skin. Apply a layer of it on your skin 20 minutes before a bath for best results.

5. Oatmeal

If you want to get rid of dullness that is associated with damaged skin barrier but cannot use a regular skin exfoliator, try a DIY scrub with oatmeal and milk. Simply soak a tablespoon of oatmeal in a little bit of milk to soften it and form a paste. Gently massage this mixture on your face and rinse with water.

6. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is great for soothing skin and repairing the skin barrier. It helps soften the skin and moisturise it while preventing and reducing signs of ageing. Simply apply a layer of rosehip facial oil on your skin at night to repair the skin barrier.

7. Argan Oil

Argan oil is considered to be liquid gold because it too can help repair damaged skin barrier. Argan oil is lightweight and does not clog the pores. It helps soothe and moisturise the skin without any greasy residue. Apply a layer of argan face oil on skin at night to heal and strengthen the skin barrier.

8. Shea Butter

When your skin is feeling extremely dry and inflamed, try using organic shea butter to deeply moisturise and soothe your skin. Just scoop out some of the shea butter and warm it up in your hands and then apply it on your skin. You can either leave it on overnight if you have dry skin or you can wash it off after 15 to 20 minutes.

9. Sandalwood

A face mask made with sandalwood powder and rose water is great for repairing skin barrier. Mix a tablespoon of sandalwood powder with enough rose water to form a paste. Apply it on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes to reveal moisturised, soothed, and nourished skin.

10. Raw Milk

Another great way to effectively cleanse, tone, and moisturise your skin in one step is using raw milk as a toner. Simply soak a cotton pad in raw milk and swipe it across your face. You can rinse with water after 15 minutes. Raw milk helps soothe and moisturise skin and can also correct uneven skin tone.

Skincare Routine To Protect Skin Barrier

If you want to know how to protect your skin barrier, here’s an essential guide. Follow these steps to ensure your skin is healthy.

1. Cleanse 

Always keep your skin clean and balanced by using a face wash that has a gentle formula. The right face wash will remove dirt and impurities while keeping the skin’ pH levels balanced and the skin hydrated. Cleanse twice a day to ensure your skin is clear of bacteria.

2. Tone

Use an alcohol-free toner to soothe your skin. Rose water toners or milk toners are especially effective for repairing a damaged skin barrier.

3. Moisturise

Always moisturise your skin if you want your skin to stay healthy and protected against damage. Opt for a ceramide infused face cream to soothe and repair damaged skin barrier or opt for aloe vera infused moisturisers for oily skin types or shea butter infused face creams for dry skin type.

4. Sun Protection

Never skip sunscreen. If you want to treat and avoid skin barrier damage, apply a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen during the day after moisturising your skin.

Organic Harvest Recommended Best Skincare Products for Damaged Skin Barrier

If your skin barrier is damaged and you’re looking for some good skincare products to help nurse it back to health, check out these barrier repair products.

1. Brightening Face Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water

This organic face cream is one the best to repair damaged skin barrier. It has a nourishing formula that moisturises skin with nature. Ingredients like kakadu plum, acai berry, and rice water in the formulation help rejuvenate the skin and protect it from environmental aggressors.

2. Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: 100% Pure 

When the skin barrier is damaged, some good ol’ coconut oil can come to the rescue. This pure grade organic coconut oil will moisturise skin and you can rest assured that by putting this on your skin, you aren’t applying any chemicals, it’s pure nature. The benefits of coconut oil for skin include repairing skin barrier and soothing inflammation which is why this natural product is so amazing.

3. Brightening Day Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water 

During the day, opt for this radiance boosting face cream to keep your skin barrier healthy and protected. It feels soothing on the skin and delivers ample hydration and nourishment to keep the skin barrier happy. It also delivers the benefits of vitamin c for skin which helps fight off sun damage.

4. Brightening Night Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water 

For your night routine, this face cream will serve as a recovery treatment for damage to the skin barrier. It bestows the benefits of rice water for skin to work overnight which helps strengthen the skin barrier and also make your skin look more radiant and smooth.  

5. Brightening Face Serum: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water 

This organic face serum is a powerful nourishing treatment for repairing skin barrier. It helps soothe skin and brighten dull areas of skin by offering gentle exfoliation and nourishment.

6. 365 PM Skin Firming Serum

Fix multiple skin concerns with this single face serum. It bestows the skin with vitamin c serum benefits and it also is a great option to pick if you’ve ever wondered about how to increase collagen in skin. The formula contains a concoction of vitamin E, squalene, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to make the skin firm and even toned.

7. Jojoba & Sweet Almond Oil For Hair & Skin

This is an organic face oil blend that will make your skin barrier stronger and super soft and supple. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of collagen for skin as it helps boost collagen production. Sweet almond is loaded with vitamin A, E and antioxidants which brings about this boost in collagen whereas jojoba oil can actually help regulate excess sebum production and can soothe skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

8. Vitamin C 15%, E & Hyaluronic Acid, Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum

In case your skin barrier is compromised and you’re facing lots of visible skin concerns like age spots, wrinkles, or even acne, you can try this serum to fix your problems. Enriched with hyaluronic acid which keeps the skin hydrated and heals breakouts and scars, this skin clearing serum can help recover your skin health with regular use.

9. Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Age Defying & Skin Clearing Moisturizer With SPF 30

If you don’t like wearing sunscreen and your skin barrier is already damaged, this SPF infused moisturiser is made for you. It provides the benefits of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for skin while serving up sun protection with SPF 30.

Price: 1,299 INR

Buy Link: Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Age Defying & Skin Clearing Moisturizer With SPF 30

10. B3 Niacinamide 10%, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid 1% Face Serum | BHA Salicylic 2% + Hyaluronic Acid 1% Skin Clarifying Serum

This serum literally strengthens and nourishes the lipid barrier so that your skin stays healthy. It is formulated with zinc to soothe inflammation and reduce excess oil production along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to further hydrate and heal the skin.

Price: 598 INR

Buy Link: B3 Niacinamide 10%, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid 1% Face Serum | BHA Salicylic 2% + Hyaluronic Acid 1% Skin Clarifying Serum

11. Manish Malhotra Sandalwood & Saffron Sheet Mask

Your damaged skin barrier will love this organic sheet mask. Made with pure sandalwood and saffron, this mask deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin while leaving skin soothed and refreshed. It helps promote the skin’s natural radiance and eliminates dullness as well.

12. Manish Malhotra Illuminating Golden Sheet Mask

Repair damaged skin barrier with this golden sheet mask. It hydrates and illuminates the skin with its gentle and effective formula. This sheet mask feels luxurious and it helps bring out your skin’s natural radiance.

FAQs

How long does it take for a damaged skin barrier to heal?

It can take anywhere between 2 to 3 weeks to 2 months.

Does vitamin C repair skin barrier?

Vitamin C can help with skin barrier repair by retaining moisture in skin.

What ingredient heals skin barrier?

Ceramides, niacinamide, aloe vera, rose water, and more such ingredients can heal skin barrier.

Can I use retinol if my skin barrier is damaged?

Try to avoid using retinol when your skin barrier is damaged as it can cause irritation.

Should I stop exfoliating if my skin barrier is damaged?

Yes, stop using face scrubs or chemical exfoliators for a while if your skin barrier is damaged and inflamed.

Does niacinamide repair skin barrier?

Yes, niacinamide can soothe skin and help regulate oil production to heal skin barrier.

Conclusion

If you have a damaged skin barrier, you can rest assured that this guide to repair skin barrier will come to your aid. Follow these tips to enjoy healthy damage-free skin.

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