Caring for the Skin Barrier: Formulations to Protect and Repair
It’s easy to forget that your skin separates you from the outside world. It protects you from external factors that could cause harm while preventing moisture loss and enabling your senses.
Naturally, the skin barrier plays a significant role in your skin’s overall resilience. When compromised, it can lead to frustrating concerns like dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Choosing products formulated with the right ingredients can help restore and strengthen your skin barrier after it’s been damaged.
Let’s explore what those ingredients are, how the barrier functions, and our most effective skin barrier repair products.
Understanding the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier, also known as the epidermal barrier or moisture barrier, is the outermost layer of your skin. It consists of skin cells held together by lipids, such as ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol.
When the skin barrier is damaged, it can lead to a range of skin concerns, including visible redness, dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Repairing the skin barrier involves replenishing lost lipids and providing hydration, all while avoiding harsh ingredients that may further irritate the skin.
When choosing products to repair the skin barrier, look for ingredients that support its natural function. These include:
Ceramides
Ceramides are essential lipids that help form the skin's protective layer. When applied to the skin, they help replenish and strengthen its moisture barrier. Ceramides also prevent water loss and protect against external aggressors, making them one of the most effective ingredients for barrier repair.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, help maintain the skin's lipid barrier. They support the skin's ability to retain moisture, preventing dehydration and dryness. Fatty acids are naturally present in the skin, but they can become depleted when the barrier is damaged. Including them in your skincare regimen can help restore hydration and improve skin texture.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid can be naturally found within the dermis and epidermis. It’s a fundamental molecule in promoting skin hydration and plumpness due to its strong ability to bind to water—making it a powerful ingredient for supporting the skin barrier’s repair process.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to reinforce the skin barrier by supporting key skin components. It is known for brightening the appearance of skin and targeting signs of congestion by helping balance surface sebum.
Panthenol
Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, supports essential skin barrier components like ceramides and fatty acids. This helps improve the skin's moisture retention for a healthier look and feel.
Centella Asiatica Phytotechnologies
Centella Asiatica is a plant extract used in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains bioactive molecules that help protect your skin against environmental irritants and repair damage to your skin barrier.
Each of these ingredients can help support your skin barrier, improving the look and feel of your skin in the process. That’s why our lab uses them to craft protective, restorative skin barrier formulations.
From The Lab: Products for Skin Barrier Support
Our skin scientists have used these ingredients to formulate powerful skin barrier repair and support products. Here are their top recommendations:
1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
This rich serum is designed to deliver intense hydration to the skin.
With four forms of hyaluronic acid and added pro-vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol), it promotes smoother-looking skin while working to strengthen the skin barrier.
This serum combines niacinamide (vitamin B3) with zinc to target uneven texture, dullness, and excess oil while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, it also helps minimize the appearance of pores while targeting signs of congestion.
3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
This second-gen formulation contains five types of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and the addition of ceramides to provide long-term hydration and enhance the moisture barrier’s ability to protect itself.
4. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
This multi-active solution is specifically formulated to address damaged skin barrier concerns. It helps recover and strengthen the skin barrier repair within 2 hours*, providing an immediate 86%** boost in hydration.
It features ingredients like vitamin B12, ceramide complex, and Centella Asiatica bioderivatives, all working together to repair and protect the skin barrier.
*Based on testing on 23 panellists after one application.**Clinical testing in 34 people, after one application.
5. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This moisturizer mimics the composition of the skin’s natural hydration system. It contains fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to help replenish lost moisture and fortify the skin barrier over time.
A gel-like foaming cleanser that helps remove dirt and environmental impurities.
This formulation helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier while improving skin clarity, texture, radiance, and suppleness with continued use. Formulated and clinically proven to be suitable for babies, this cleanser respects the barrier of even the most delicate skin.
7. Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
This toner’s key ingredient is a 30% concentration of saccharomyces ferment, a yeast ferment technology with 3% fermented N-acetylglucosamine (NAG). NAG exfoliates the skin surface to smooth uneven texture and boost radiance.
This toner also offers all-day hydration and promotes a stronger skin barrier just 8 hours* after one application. Supported by squalane, it is especially beneficial for dry skin types.
*Testing on 38 people, after a single application.A gentle cream cleanser that effectively removes makeup such as foundation, eyeliner, and mascara. It uses a plant-derived glycolipid cleansing agent that cleanses the skin while respecting the skin barrier to maintain hydration.
This cleanser is also formulated to be non-stripping to respect the skin’s natural pH.
How to Choose Products for Skin Barrier Support
With so many factors to consider, selecting the most impactful skincare products can feel overwhelming. To support your barrier repair journey, keep these considerations in mind.
- Prioritize ceramides: These lipids are essential for rebuilding the skin’s barrier. Look for moisturizers, serums, and balms with ceramides as their primary ingredient.
- Hydration is key: Opt for products that provide deep hydration through ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Well-hydrated skin is better equipped to repair its barrier.
- Avoid harsh ingredients: Steer clear of high concentrations of strong active ingredients, like retinoids or exfoliating acids, that can further compromise a disrupted skin barrier.
- Consider your skin type: If your skin is easily irritated, choose products that are gentle, fragrance-free, and specifically formulated for sensitive or compromised skin.
Most importantly, be patient and consistent with your new regimen. Repairing a compromised skin barrier is possible, but it may take time to fully recover.
Once you’ve decided on the best skin barrier repair products for your unique skin, be as diligent as possible with your routine. The combination of targeted ingredients and regular application is what will help restore your skin’s natural glow.
Meet your customized skincare routine. Our Regimen Builder generates tailored product recommendations to suit your unique skin type and concerns.
